Former deputy prime minister and current national deputy Léonard She Okitundu, along with his political party, the Social Democratic Green Party (PSDV), have issued a strong reaction to two recent international statements regarding the presence of Rwandan troops in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The statements in question came from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot, each addressing the withdrawal of Rwandan forces from occupied areas in eastern DRC.

In a declaration dated June 7, 2026, She Okitundu and the PSDV described these international positions as a significant step forward in the search for a lasting solution to the security crisis plaguing the eastern part of the country. They believe the growing interest of the international community in the situation in North Kivu and South Kivu reflects a heightened awareness of the security and humanitarian challenges facing Congolese populations. The party and its leader see this diplomatic mobilization as potentially accelerating peace restoration efforts in a region long plagued by armed violence and mass population displacements.

However, while the former foreign minister and his party particularly welcome the statements of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio—who reportedly set a deadline for the effective withdrawal of Rwandan troops from Congolese territory, viewing this as a strong signal of US commitment to DRC’s sovereignty and regional stability—they sharply criticize the position of Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot. Prévot had suggested the need for simultaneity between the withdrawal of Rwandan troops and the neutralization of the FDLR.

For Léonard She Okitundu and his party, this approach risks serving as a pretext for delaying the implementation of obligations imposed on Rwanda. They recall that United Nations Security Council Resolution 2773 demands an immediate and unconditional withdrawal of Rwandan troops from Congolese territory. In their view, this resolution remains the primary legal and diplomatic framework for achieving a sustainable de-escalation of tensions in eastern DRC.

Given the persistence of insecurity in several areas affected by armed clashes, the PSDV and its leader not only call on national and international actors to maintain diplomatic pressure to ensure compliance with international commitments and foster the return of peace, but also reaffirm their commitment to defending DRC’s territorial integrity. They advocate for a solution grounded in international law, regional cooperation, and respect for United Nations resolutions.

By Mariama Hamani — Analyst