On Monday, May 23rd, Rwandan authorities requested that the Expanded Joint Verification Mechanism (EJVM) investigate an alleged attack perpetrated by the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Rwandan Ministry of Defense stated that the attack targeted the Musanze district in north Rwanda and that several civilians were injured. The Democratic Republic of the Congo has accused the Rwandan government of supporting M23 rebels in their military offensive on the eastern Congo. 

The official statement made by the Rwandan government assured that “those injured are receiving treatment and officials are assessing the extent of the damage.” Rwandan officials also stated, “The RDF (Rwanda Defense Forces) has requested for an urgent investigation by the regional EJVM, and Rwandan authorities are also engaging DRC counterparts over the incident.” The Congo’s government spokesperson stated, “A warning was made to the Rwandans, whose attitude is likely to disrupt the peace process that is nearing its end with the discussions in Nairobi, where all the armed groups, except for the M23, are committed to the path to peace.” This statement came after the Congo summoned Rwanda’s ambassador and suspended all Rwandair flights.  

Senegalese President Macky Sall, chairman of the African Union, issued a statement via Twitter on Sunday, May 29th, regarding the rising tensions between Rwanda and the Congo. “I am gravely concerned by the rising tension between Rwanda and the DRC. I call on both countries to calm down and engage in dialogue for the peaceful resolution of the crisis with the support of regional mechanisms and the African Union.”

The escalating tension between Rwanda and the Congo is highly concerning. Intervention in the conflict by international organizations such as the EJVM and the AU is necessary to prevent an increase in violence. 

The EJVM is a subsidiary of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR). The ICGLR is an IO of African countries in the African Great Lakes region with 12 full members. The EJVM launched in September of 2012 and is composed of military personnel and strategists from each ICGLR Member State. While the current situation is stark, there is a history of cooperation between Rwanda and the Congo with EJVM facilitation. In September of 2020, the Rwandan government turned over 19 Burundian combatants. The EJVM Commander Colonel J. expressed their satisfaction with the “goodwill” shown by each respective country.

While the EJVM has the capacity to investigate the attack on the 23rd, the conflict has spread across the region within the last week. To curb the spread of the conflict, the African Union should assist in coordinating and hosting diplomatic negotiations.