
On Friday, France will present a draft resolution to the U.N. Security Council, seeking to “increase pressure on Rwanda” to withdraw its troops from eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, according to French U.N. Ambassador Nicolas de Riviere.
De Riviere expressed hope that the resolution would be adopted swiftly, but clarified that it is not expected to propose sanctions at this stage. “What is needed is a strong, clear message from the Security Council calling for the current actions to cease, the withdrawal of foreign forces, and a resumption of talks,” he stated.
Once the draft resolution is circulated to the 15 U.N. Council members, they will negotiate its language before scheduling a vote. A resolution requires at least nine votes in favor and no vetoes from permanent members— the U.S., Russia, China, Britain, or France— to pass.
In a separate statement, the French mission to the U.N. confirmed that France is in close coordination with its U.N. partners in New York to support mediation efforts, encouraging dialogue between the DRC and Rwanda under the Luanda process, facilitated by Angola.