Press Release by Jambo ASBL
Since the weekend of January 25, 2025, Rwanda, under Paul Kagame’s regime, has intensified its attacks through the M23 against cities and villages in Eastern DRC. This has resulted in humanitarian chaos and massacres of Congolese civilians and Rwandan refugees, who have endured 30 years of continuous insecurity.
These attacks, enabled by the persistent impunity for past crimes, violate international conventions and constitute serious breaches of international humanitarian law.
If the international community wishes to remain consistent with the principles it claims to uphold, it cannot limit itself to mere warnings or symbolic condemnations. Concrete and immediate measures are imperative. Every available lever must be mobilized to halt these attacks, ensure humanitarian support for populations unjustly caught in this conflict, and implement effective prevention mechanisms to stop their recurrence.
It is time to impose sanctions on Paul Kagame’s regime, end all military assistance to the Rwandan army, and put an end to the impunity this regime has enjoyed for the past 30 years.
If the international and regional communities truly intend to work towards lasting peace, they must have the courage to address the root causes of this crisis. One of the most pressing issues is the situation of Rwandan refugees who have been in exile in the DRC for over 30 years—one of the longest-standing refugee crises in Africa.
However, this approach cannot succeed without strong political will to put an end to both past and ongoing crimes committed against Congolese populations and these refugees. This requires binding measures against Paul Kagame’s regime to enforce the immediate withdrawal of his troops and his support for the M23.
Jambo ASBL, an organization of young Rwandan refugees living in exile in Europe, calls on every citizen, organization, and activist to put direct pressure on the political leaders of Rwanda’s partner countries. Only massive mobilization can compel them to act.
We urge:
- Citizens to contact their elected representatives through letters, petitions, and public campaigns.
- NGOs and media to expose these crimes and demand sanctions.
- Institutions and donors to condition their aid on Rwanda’s withdrawal of support for the M23.
Jambo ASBL will play its part by engaging with governments and institutions to demand strong measures against Paul Kagame’s regime. Only by holding these leaders accountable can real action be taken.
Peace in the Great Lakes region cannot wait.
Norman Ishimwe Sinamenye
President of Jambo asbl
Brussels, January 30, 2025