The Government condemns the forced marches imposed on civilians in areas under Rwandan occupation

Kinshasa, 23 December 2025 – The Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo expresses its deep concern over the forced marches organized in several localities of the eastern part of the country currently under Rwandan occupation, carried out by M23 elements operating alongside the Rwandan Defence Forces (RDF), notably in Uvira on 16 December, in Kamanyola on 19 December, in Goma on 22 December, and in Bukavu and Sake on 23 December 2025.

The Government firmly condemns these unacceptable practices consisting of coercing civilians – including women and youth – into participating in demonstrations staged as expressions of support for the illegitimate presence of occupying Rwandan forces and their proxies. Such actions constitute a political and psychological manipulation of local communities, amounting to a collective hostage-taking.

The Government emphatically reiterates that any attempt to use Congolese civilians as human shields or as instruments of propaganda to legitimize an occupation imposed by an aggressor State constitutes a grave violation of national sovereignty and a blatant crime against human dignity. These repeated and intolerable violations of fundamental rights will be met with severe consequences and will not go unpunished.

In light of these criminal acts, the Government reaffirms its determination to protect civilian populations, to fully restore State authority across the national territory, and to bring the perpetrators and sponsors of these violations of human rights and republican values to justice.

The Government commends the courage of the population who continue to resist enemy manipulation and calls on all Congolese citizens to remain vigilant, united, and confident in national institutions and in the Armed Forces of the Republic, which are tirelessly working to defend the nation, ensure the security of its people, and preserve peace.

Finally, the Government reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the ongoing peace processes, aimed at securing a lasting return of peace, stability, and development in the eastern part of the country and throughout the Great Lakes region.

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