Gen. (Rtd) James Kabarebe met with EU envoy Johan Borgstam to discuss the DR Congo conflict, asserting that it is not comparable to Ukraine. Kabarebe highlighted Rwanda’s security concerns amid foreign military presence and urged the EU to avoid politicizing the situation. He called for support in African-led peace initiatives and outlined the governance issues plaguing DR Congo.
On February 27, Gen. (Rtd) James Kabarebe, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in Charge of Regional Cooperation, convened with Johan Borgstam, the European Union (EU) Special Envoy for the Great Lakes region, during his working visit to Kigali. Their discussion focused on the ongoing conflicts in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo), specifically addressing the clash between the government coalition and the AFC/M23 rebels.
Minister Kabarebe emphasized that the conflict in DR Congo is “not comparable to the conflict in Ukraine,” asserting that linking these two situations would be politically charged and distract from the pressing issues, including the actions of the FDLR genocidal militia. He indicated that the EU is already cognizant of the complex historical context behind the recurring violence in eastern DR Congo.
The Minister pointed out the significant challenges posed by over 200 armed groups in the region, along with systematic persecution faced by Congolese Tutsi communities and the troubling presence of the FDLR militia, which has been sanctioned by both the UN and the US. He stressed the necessity for the international community to acknowledge and address these dynamics appropriately.
Kabarebe raised concerns regarding the existential threat Rwanda faces from DR Congo, which, he argued, must not be downplayed. He noted the involvement of various armed forces and groups, including the Congolese military allied with the FDLR, SADC, and Burundian forces, and highlighted the urgency of securing Rwanda’s borders against foreign forces.
Furthermore, he maintained that Rwanda would continue to demand security guarantees, outlining the necessity for the withdrawal of foreign forces and the neutralization of FDLR militia. He reiterated that principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity should extend to Rwanda, given the numerous violations since 2018.
Minister Kabarebe expressed regret regarding the influence of domestic EU politics and regional interests on EU foreign policy, indicating that punitive measures could hinder African-led peace initiatives. He argued that DR Congo’s calls for sanctions against Rwanda were attempts to obscure governance failures and severe human rights violations within its borders, further complicating the conflict’s resolution.
He concluded by encouraging EU member states to engage positively in peace efforts, emphasizing that politics should not interfere with security and peace initiatives in the region.
In summary, Minister Kabarebe’s discussions with the EU envoy outlined the complexities of the DR Congo conflict, emphasizing that it should not be compared to the Ukraine conflict. He sought to clarify Rwanda’s security concerns and the implications of foreign interventions. Ultimately, Kabarebe encouraged a balanced EU approach towards fostering regional peace, urging a focus on facts over political narratives that undermine stability.
Original Source: www.newtimes.co.rw
