DR Congo’s Foreign Minister asserted that Rwanda is illegally occupying Congolese territory and attempting regime change amid the M23 rebel threat. Rwanda denied these claims, asserting its intentions to secure its borders. The Southern African Development Community is convening to address the crisis, while calls for sanctions on Rwanda’s leaders have emerged due to continued violence.
The Democratic Republic of Congo’s Foreign Minister, Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, alleges that Rwanda is unlawfully occupying Congolese territory and seeks to manipulate regime change. Her accusations stem from a long history of Rwandan President Paul Kagame’s alleged infractions against international law. This statement follows the recent capture of Goma by M23 rebels, who are supported by Rwanda, and their threats to advance towards Kinshasa.
Yolande Makolo, the spokesperson for the Rwandan government, rebutted these claims, stating that Rwandan troops are in place to prevent conflict from expanding across their borders. “We are not interested in war, we are not interested in annexation, we are not interested in regime change,” she emphasized during an interview.
The Southern African Development Community (SADC), which comprises 16 member nations, is convening a special meeting in Zimbabwe to address the ongoing crisis in the DRC. In response to the escalating violence, SADC has deployed peacekeeping forces, predominantly from South Africa, to restore order in a region that has experienced prolonged instability, resulting in the deaths of 16 SADC soldiers in recent combat with M23 rebels.
In a contentious exchange with South African officials, President Kagame dismissed the role of SADC troops as ineffective for peacekeeping, asserting that they have no relevance in the current situation. Makolo explained that Rwandan soldiers are securing their borders against persistent threats, including fatalities caused by shelling from the DRC. “The DRC needs to do a better job of getting their territory in order. That is their responsibility,” she stated.
Minister Wagner advocated for the cessation of foreign aid to Rwanda and the imposition of sanctions on leaders who are perceived to be perpetuating violence. She further called for a suspension of Rwandan involvement in UN peacekeeping missions, criticizing their dual role as “warmongers” while publicly positioning as peacekeepers elsewhere in the Great Lakes region.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has been embroiled in conflict for decades, exacerbated by external influences, particularly from neighboring Rwanda. The M23 rebel group has frequently been implicated in these hostilities, claiming to fight for the rights of ethnic Congolese Tutsi. Rwanda’s historical involvement in DRC conflicts has raised significant concerns among international observers regarding its intentions and actions in the region.
The ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo involves complex geopolitical dynamics, with allegations of Rwandan interference and occupation. The contrasting narratives from both governments highlight the tension and urgency of the situation, as SADC intervenes to restore peace. Calls for accountability and cessation of support to Rwanda signal a need for reassessment of international aid and peacekeeping strategies in the region.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
