Rwanda has summoned the UK High Commissioner over UK Minister Lord Collins’ accusations linking the country to the ADF terrorist group. Rwanda’s Foreign Affairs Ministry refutes these claims, emphasizing the nation’s counterterrorism efforts. The diplomatic dispute adds strain to Rwanda-UK relations amid ongoing tensions regarding military involvement in eastern DRC.
The Rwandan government has summoned the United Kingdom’s High Commissioner to Rwanda, Alison Thorpe, following remarks made by UK Minister for Africa, Lord Collins of Highbury, in a recent parliamentary session. The comments, which connected Rwanda to the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), deemed a terrorist organization affiliated with ISIS/Daesh, received strong repudiation from Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, labeling them as false and dangerous.
In his statements on February 26, Lord Collins claimed that Rwanda’s Foreign Minister had denied the accusations regarding an ADF attack on a church in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). However, the Rwandan government has categorically dismissed these assertions, asserting that the ADF was not discussed during the meeting in Geneva.
Rwanda firmly rejected any affiliations with the ADF, highlighting that the group operates far from its borders. Furthermore, the government noted its proactive engagement in counterterrorism efforts in Cabo Delgado, Mozambique, where Rwandan forces collaborate with Mozambican troops to combat ISIS-linked militants.
Kigali criticized Lord Collins’ comments as irresponsible, accusing him of misleading the public and supporting the DRC’s propaganda efforts. Such remarks are seen as detrimental to diplomatic relations and could jeopardize ongoing peace initiatives in the Great Lakes region.
This diplomatic dispute surfaces amidst rising tensions between Rwanda and the UK, exacerbated by London’s recent actions regarding Rwanda’s alleged involvement in the M23 rebellion in eastern DRC. The UK has enacted targeted sanctions on figures associated with these claims and has suspended military cooperation with Rwanda.
Rwanda has firmly denied these allegations, asserting that its military actions are solely defensive against threats posed by the FDLR and other hostile groups near its borders. Although Lord Collins privately acknowledged his error to Rwanda’s Foreign Minister and intends to issue a correction, Rwanda finds this response inadequate.
Consequently, Kigali has called on the UK government for a public correction and a formal apology to mitigate the spread of misinformation. The situation highlights the growing estrangement between Rwanda and Western governments regarding the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC.
In summary, the Rwandan government’s summons of the UK High Commissioner underscores the mounting tensions between Rwanda and the United Kingdom due to recent accusations linking Rwanda to terrorism. The government’s protest reflects its strong stance against perceived misinformation and its defense of its military actions. As diplomatic relations remain strained, Rwanda seeks a public retraction and acknowledgment of its efforts in regional security.
Original Source: chimpreports.com
