Topic: 2024-The Situation in Rwanda
Country: Malta
Delegate Name: Lucas Chesebrough
Committee: Security Council
Topic Area: The situation in Rwanda
Country: Malta
School Name: Fishers High School
Delegate Name(s): Lucas Chesebrough
Malta is greatly concerned over the escalation of tensions in Rwanda and the bordering Great Lakes region, which stemmed from allegations of cross-border support for armed groups that include the March 23 movement and the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda. This instability is rooted in the aftermath of the Rwandan genocide of 1994, that saw the Hutu-led exiled to what is now the Democratic Republic of the Congo, this gave rise to multiple decades of regional conflict in the region. Ongoing allegations of Rwandan support for the March 23 movement and counterclaims of the Democratic Republic of the Congo backing of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda’s risk intensifying violence and undermining regional stability. Additionally, Malta recognizes the urgent matter of fostering dialogue to help de-escalate tensions while also addressing the humanitarian crises thats come from this conflict.
While distant from the region, Malta has stayed committed to helping address conflicts like the one in Rwanda, recognizing and expressing the broad implications for human rights and global security. As a committed member of the United Nations, Malta has consistently supported peacekeeping goals and missions and also contributed to humanitarian aid efforts in the regions affected by the situation in Rwanda. On the international level Malta has helped call for larger accountability when considering the exploitation of resources that are fueling armed conflicts. Malta has also supported United Nation initiatives, like MONUSCO, thats aimed at restoring stability in the Great Lakes region. Through these many actions, the nation of Malta underscores the great importance of multilateral approaches to addressing main causes of instability and promoting reconciliation.
In order to help with the ongoing crisis, Malta advocates for solutions that are rooted in economic development, and diplomatic security. Malta supports peace talks mediated by unbiased entities like the African Union, thus ensuring the inclusion of all parties that are relevant. These parties would include state actors, FDLR, M23, and civil society organizations. This inclusive idea and approach is necessary and essential in addressing historical grievances and maintaining mutual trust. Malta also greatly recommends an expansion of the mandate of MONUSCO, which would enhance border monitoring and security, along with greater collaboration with regional initiatives such as SAMIDRC. Additionally, the delegates of Malta emphasize the need for international mechanisms to help regulate and confirm the trade of all natural resources, which would severe the financial lifelines of the armed groups. Lastly Malta would like to assist displaced populations and help foster sustainable development in the affected areas and regions through humanitarian support. All of these ideas and solutions expressed by the delegates and nation of Malta align with Malta’s strong commitment to peace and the belief that collective, clear efforts can help bring long lasting stability to Rwanda and the regions surrounding it.
United Nations Security Council, “The Role of MONUSCO in Stabilizing the DRC,” 2024.
Group of Experts on the DRC, “Report to the President of the United Nations Security Council,” 2024.
Southern African Development Community (SADC), “Overview of SAMIDRC Operations in the DRC,” December 2023.
