Topic: 2024-The Situation in Rwanda
Country: Japan
Delegate Name: Jonah Mechtenberg-Berrigan
Jonah M.B.
Security Council
Rwanda Situation
As a large supporter of humanitarian efforts, Japan believes a simple, militaristic approach should be taken to the situation in Rwanda. Both the M23 and FDLR groups do not have the authority to operate in the DRC or Rwanda, and must be stopped to prevent an international threat. M23 has been operating since 2012, and has broken international law by raping women amd forcefully recruiting extremely young boys. M23 is not a harmless group- they have robbed villages and traded for arms and military assistance. FDLR, even more aggressive, was formed in 2000, and killed almost 100 people in the 10 following years. FDLR has also received military support. Although neither group poses much threat at the moment, the situation in Rwanda has grown to an international issue because of their weaponization by home countries.
There is some United Nations precedent on this matter. Agreements have been suggested to disarm, reintegrate, and demobilize the M23 and FDLR groups. Japan supports any definitive plans that help take these actions. However, Japan also cautions against use of local groups for disarmament. It is important to remove weapons fully from the area, and it is best for all parties that an international group is present to ensure complete peace is achieved.
The root conflicts, however, should also be addressed. The resources of Rwanda and the DRC should be kept under stronger guard, reflecting on their usage by these groups for conflict. Also, both Rwanda and DRC should be kept under supervision and held to transparency; both governments have supported these groups by giving them national military supplies, a dangerous practice.
A significant supporter of other humanitarian efforts (Japan donated 10 million USD towards Lebanon), Japan is willing to invest money into this situation, if it ensures a clear solution will be reached. Transparency of funds, efficient usage, and an emphasis on disbanding these groups are required for Japan’s support of any directives.
Works Cited
“Armed Groups’ Activities in Democratic Republic of Congo Intensifying Conflict, Worsening Humanitarian Crisis, Special Envoy Tells Security Council | Meetings Coverage and Press Releases.” Meetings Coverage and Press Releases, 8 October 2024, https://press.un.org/en/2024/sc15845.doc.htm. Accessed 26 November 2024.
“M23 | Security Council.” the United Nations, https://main.un.org/securitycouncil/en/sanctions/1533/materials/summaries/entity/m23. Accessed 26 November 2024.
