An immediate response to Rwanda’s new expansion into DRC requested (Human rights NGOs)

Kinshasa, November 30^th, 2025 (CPA) – An Immediate and coordinated response to Rwanda’s new expansion aimed at undermining peace efforts in the Democratic Republic of Congo has been requested by civil society organisations working for human rights in Nord-Kivu (a province in eastern DRC), according to a statement consulted on Saturday by CPA. ‘“The civil society organisations campaigning for human rights in Nord-Kivu province recommend the following to DRC government: an immediate, coordinated and determined response, in collaboration with the FARDC General Staff, to halt Rwanda’s military expansion and neutralise the new offensives in preparation,” it is read. These human rights NGOs have claimed to have information that M23-AFC fighters are withdrawing from the front lines, replaced by ‘well-equipped Rwandan soldiers’ to continue the conquest of mineral-rich territories and other cities such as Kalemie, Kindu and Kisangani in order to put pressure on Kinshasa. « Already on Thursday, November 20^th, 2025, the Rwandan soldiers who were deployed in the Nyiragongo territory, deep in Virunga National Park, had been withdrawn from their initial positions and gathered at the former EAC force base in Kibati, to be redeployed to the front lines overlooking the borders between the Masisi and Walkale territories, » they have emphasised. These actors have also reported that « the Shabunda lines are located on routes leading to Maniema province in Pangi territory and Tshopo province, emphasising that these areas contain several mining sites rich in cassiterite and gold. ‘Recent deployments have been reported in Nyiragongo, Kibati, Shabunda and Lulingu, strategic areas towards Maniema and Tshopo. These areas contain several mining sites rich in cassiterite and gold,’ they have continued in the same statement. The same source indicates that these human rights NGOs have called on other international organisations and the international community to take action. ‘Use all diplomatic leverage to secure the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of Rwandan troops,’ they have insisted, before warning that « no lasting peace can come from illegal occupation, resource plundering and the massacre of civilians. The time to act is now. » Among them are APDOH, Haki Zangu, LUCHA RDC and Congo Notre Avenir, it is noted.