On March 4, 2025, the Luxembourg Chamber of Deputies adopted a historic motion calling for European sanctions against Rwandan officials involved in atrocities in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
This decision comes as international condemnation of Rwanda’s support for the M23 rebel group intensifies following the capture of Goma and Bukavu, which has led to mass displacement and severe human rights violations The motion highlights that the European Union (EU) condemns Rwanda’s military presence in the DRC, labeling it a blatant violation of international law and Congolese sovereignty
The motion, introduced by Sam Tanson, references statements made by Kaja Kallas, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, who on January 25 and February 25, 2025, reiterated that Rwanda must cease its support for M23 and immediately withdraw from the DRC It also cites UN Security Council Resolution 2773, adopted on February 21, 2025, under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, which condemns any foreign military intervention in the DRC
The Luxembourg Parliament calls on the government to pressure Rwanda to withdraw its troops from the DRC, to support the adoption of targeted EU sanctions against Rwandan officials responsible for crimes in the DRC, and to strengthen Luxembourg’s diplomatic engagement within the EU and the United Nations to ensure a political solution that respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the DRC
According to sources Luxembourg is now ready to lift its veto on EU sanctions against Kigali, a decision that could allow at least 10 senior Rwandan officials involved in RDF and M23 crimes in the DRC to be sanctioned
This motion aligns with growing European pressure against Paul Kagame’s regime, which is already facing criticism from Germany, Belgium, Canada, the UK, and the US for its continued destabilization of the DRC
Therwandan
