FRANCE is set to present a draft resolution to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Friday, calling for increased diplomatic pressure on Rwanda to withdraw its troops from eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Reuters reported.
French Ambassador to the UN, Nicolas de Rivière, confirmed the move, stating that the resolution aims to send a strong message demanding an end to foreign military presence and the resumption of diplomatic talks.
No immediate sanctions planned
De Rivière clarified that the proposed resolution does not include immediate sanctions but instead focuses on rallying international consensus to de-escalate tensions.
‘I hope this resolution can be adopted soon,’ he said, as quoted by Reuters. ‘What we need is a strong, clear message from the Security Council in the form of a resolution, urging the current action to stop, urging withdrawal of foreign elements, and urging resumption of talks.’
Security Council approval process
Once France circulates the draft resolution among the 15-member Security Council, discussions will take place to finalise its language before scheduling a vote. To pass, the resolution will require at least nine votes in favour, without any vetoes from the five permanent members—France, the United States, Britain, China, or Russia.
The move comes amid ongoing tensions in eastern DRC, where Rwanda has been accused of backing the M23 rebel group, an allegation Kigali denies. The UNSC resolution is expected to reinforce diplomatic pressure for a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
