Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, the Foreign Minister of the DRC, has accused Rwanda of illegally occupying her country and pushing for regime change after M23 rebels seized Goma. Rwanda’s government denies these accusations, asserting its troops are only acting defensively. The Southern African Development Community convened to address the crisis amidst growing tensions and ongoing violence in the region.
Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, the Foreign Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has accused Rwanda of illegal occupation and efforts to incite regime change in her country. Following the recent takeover of Goma by the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels, Wagner highlighted a pattern of impunity surrounding Rwandan President Paul Kagame’s actions in defiance of international law.
In response to these claims, Yolande Makolo, Rwanda’s government spokeswoman, rejected the allegations, asserting that Rwandan troops are deployed to safeguard their borders against conflict spillover. Makolo stated, “We are not interested in war, we are not interested in annexation, we are not interested in regime change.”
The Southern African Development Community (Sadc) convened in Zimbabwe to address the prevailing situation in DRC, recognizing the humanitarian crisis exacerbated by armed groups like the M23. Peacekeeping troops, primarily from South Africa, have been dispatched, although recent encounters have led to casualties among Sadc soldiers in the region.
Amid escalating tensions, President Kagame expressed skepticism regarding the effectiveness of foreign troops, labeling them as inappropriate for the current conflict. In contrast, Wagner has urged for the cessation of foreign aid to Rwanda and the imposition of sanctions on those perpetuating violence, arguing for an immediate suspension of Rwandan troops from UN peacekeeping missions.
Wagner emphasized the contradiction of Rwanda presenting itself as a promoter of peace while engaging in warfare in the Great Lakes region, calling for international accountability regarding Rwanda’s actions.
In summary, the exchange between DRC and Rwanda reflects deep-rooted tensions arising from historical conflicts and ongoing strife in eastern DRC, necessitating urgent diplomatic efforts to restore stability in the region.
The ongoing conflict in the DRC has its roots in a complex history of tensions between the DRC and Rwanda, which has been accused of meddling in Congolese affairs for years. The M23 rebel group has emerged as a significant threat, seizing control of key areas and instigating fears of broader regional instability. The presence of foreign troops and the international community’s response to this crisis are crucial in shaping the outcome of the conflict.
In conclusion, the claims of illegal occupation by Rwanda add a significant layer to the already complex conflict in the DRC. The accusations made by Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner reflect a call for increased scrutiny of Rwanda’s actions, alongside a plea for international support to restore peace in the region. The stalemate continues to draw in regional powers, emphasizing the need for a cooperative approach to conflict resolution.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
