This is in response to their alleged roles in exacerbating the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

He believes that sanctions targeting individual leaders in Rwanda are insufficient and that a more comprehensive approach is needed to address the underlying causes of violence in the region.

Bwasa’s remarks come as Belgium and other Western nations intensify calls for sanctions against Rwanda, accusing the country of supporting the M23 rebels in eastern DRC. The European Union is also set to sanction nine individuals believed to be responsible for the violence. However, Bwasa argued that these measures would not bring lasting peace unless broader steps are taken.

“Sanctioning individuals is not the solution,” Bwasa said. “The international community must cut all diplomatic and economic ties with the countries fueling this conflict, Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya. Only by isolating these nations will we begin to address the true dynamics driving the violence in DRC.”

Bwasa compared the current situation to the international boycott of apartheid-era South Africa, advocating for a similarly firm stance against Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya. He pointed out that the conflict in eastern DRC is deeply rooted in historical exploitation, particularly over the region's mineral wealth, which has attracted foreign intervention for decades.

“The ongoing violence is tied to the plundering of the DRC's resources,” Bwasa explained. “Countries like Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya are benefiting from the minerals in the east, which are crucial to the global economy. Until this exploitation is addressed, peace will remain out of reach.”

He also proposed that sanctions should target the leadership of Rwanda, including President Paul Kagame and his family, alongside leaders from the DRC, such as Félix Tshisekedi and Joseph Kabila, whom he believes are perpetuating the conflict.

--ChannelAfrica--