In a significant diplomatic development, Léonard She Okitundu, former Vice Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister, alongside his political party, the Parti Social-Démocrate Vert (PSDV), has publicly endorsed the stance of Marco Rubio, U.S. Secretary of State, while sharply criticizing Maxime Prévot, Belgium’s Foreign Affairs Minister, regarding their recent remarks on the withdrawal of Rwandan troops from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
International pressure mounts on Rwanda over DRC presence
On June 7, 2026, She Okitundu and PSDV issued a joint statement applauding the growing international recognition of the security and humanitarian crisis unfolding in the North Kivu and South Kivu provinces. The escalating violence and mass displacement of civilians in these regions have drawn heightened attention from global leaders, prompting calls for urgent action.
The statement emphasized that the international community’s engagement could serve as a catalyst for peace, urging all stakeholders to prioritize the restoration of stability in a region plagued by armed conflict. However, the focus remained squarely on the presence of foreign troops—particularly those from Rwanda—and their alleged role in exacerbating tensions.
Rubio’s firm stance vs. Prévot’s conditional approach
She Okitundu and PSDV praised Marco Rubio for setting a clear deadline for the withdrawal of Rwandan forces from Congolese territory, viewing it as a decisive move to uphold the DRC’s sovereignty and regional stability. The American official’s position was hailed as a strong signal of U.S. commitment to international law and the protection of territorial integrity.
In stark contrast, the group condemned Maxime Prévot’s proposal, which linked the withdrawal of Rwandan troops to the neutralization of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR). According to She Okitundu and PSDV, this conditional approach risks delaying the implementation of Rwanda’s obligations under United Nations Security Council Resolution 2773, which demands the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of foreign troops from the DRC.
UN resolution remains the cornerstone of peace efforts
The statement reaffirmed the group’s adherence to Resolution 2773, describing it as the primary legal and diplomatic framework for de-escalating tensions in eastern DRC. The resolution, adopted by the UN, calls for an immediate withdrawal of Rwandan troops without preconditions, a stance that She Okitundu and PSDV argue must not be compromised.
With insecurity persisting in multiple conflict zones, the PSDV and its leader called on national and international actors to maintain diplomatic pressure. Their goal: to ensure compliance with international commitments and pave the way for peace. The emphasis was placed on defending the DRC’s territorial integrity, promoting multilateral cooperation, and upholding the rule of law in line with UN resolutions.
