On Saturday 8 March 2025 (International Women's Day), the association of Congolese people in Luxembourg, Acolux Asbl, is organising a solidarity event in support of the victims of the war in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), at Place Clairefontaine in Luxembourg-Ville, from 15:00 to 17:00.
In a press release, Acolux stated that the event will be a tribute to all Congolese women, who have suffered for more than 30 years as a result of the conflict. These women, mothers, sisters and daughters, are described by Acolux as not only direct victims of the atrocities of war but also as heroines of resilience and hope for peace in the DRC.
Acolux added that the demonstration is a call for all communities and committed citizens in Luxembourg, Europe and beyond to join this mobilisation for peace, justice and human dignity. It confirmed its desire to see the effective implementation of the international sanctions taken against Rwanda.
Among these sanctions, Acolux recalled the measures taken by several countries and organisations, including:
- the European Union (EU), which has imposed economic and diplomatic sanctions, due to Rwanda's alleged support for armed groups operating in the DRC;
- the United States, which has implemented targeted sanctions against Rwandan officials involved in destabilising activities;
- Canada, with sanctions against Rwandan officials accused of supporting armed militias in the DRC;
- the United Nations, which has imposed sanctions on certain Rwandan individuals and groups linked to human rights violations;
- Belgium, which has taken diplomatic measures against certain Rwandan officials involved in the destabilisation of the DRC;
- Luxembourg, which unanimously voted for a resolution sanctioning Rwanda’s aggression against the DRC. This resolution calls for concrete measures and stronger international action to end the conflict and ensure lasting peace in the DRC;
- the United Kingdom, which has adopted targeted sanctions against Rwandan individuals and entities in response to human rights violations and Rwandan interference in the conflict in the DRC. These sanctions include travel bans and asset freezes for Rwandan officials;
- Germany, which has implemented economic restrictions and diplomatic measures against Rwandan officials because of their role in destabilising the Great Lakes region and supporting armed groups operating in the DRC.
According to Acolux, these sanctions must now produce concrete results to end Rwandan aggression and ensure lasting peace in the DRC. It added that the international community, including Luxembourg, must redouble its efforts to ensure that these pressure measures result in a real change in Rwanda's policy towards the DRC.
HOM
