The DR Congo has accused Rwanda of fabricating a video showing captured rebels linked to the Rwandan genocide. As M23 rebels continue to advance and seize territory, the humanitarian crisis worsens, with significant displacements reported. Calls for a ceasefire have been made amid the escalating violence between armed groups and government forces.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) has accused Rwanda of fabricating a video depicting the capture of fighters linked to the Rwandan genocide. The Congolese military claims that Rwanda dressed prisoners in military attire to represent them as freshly detained rebels from the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a militia formed by ethnic Hutus involved in the 1994 genocide against Tutsis.
The accusations arise as Rwanda-backed M23 rebels assert they have apprehended FDLR members in eastern DR Congo. In response, the Congolese army declared the video displaying the purported handover of 20 FDLR rebels a “faked incident in poor taste orchestrated with the sole aim of discrediting our army.”
Recent advancements by M23 fighters have resulted in significant territorial capture in eastern DR Congo, notably taking control of Bukavu and Goma, causing approximately 500,000 individuals to flee their homes and exacerbating the ongoing humanitarian crisis, as reported by the UN.
The Congolese military contends that Rwanda’s actions are part of a tactic to rationalize its military involvement in DR Congo. Despite previous denials of backing the M23, Rwanda has cited the presence of FDLR forces as justification for its operations in the region.
According to UN experts, there are currently between 3,000 and 4,000 Rwandan troops stationed in eastern Congo. Last year, the UN reported that the Congolese military had engaged various armed groups, including the FDLR, to counter the M23.
The genocide in Rwanda, spanning 100 days in 1994, resulted in the deaths of up to 800,000 individuals, predominantly Tutsis, leading many of the perpetrators to flee to DR Congo and establish the FDLR. Rwandan President Paul Kagame considers this “genocidal militia” a grave existential threat.
Meanwhile, gunfire erupted during a rally of rebel leaders in Bukavu, leading to chaotic scenes and casualties. M23 forces had recently gained control of Bukavu, prompting accusations against DR Congo President Felix Tshisekedi’s government for orchestrating the violence. In contrast, Tshisekedi attributed the incident to foreign military involvement in the eastern region.
Ceasefire calls have been issued by the African Union and the UN, urging an immediate withdrawal of the rebels from the territories they occupy.
In conclusion, the Democratic Republic of Congo has accused Rwanda of staging a video to falsely present captured FDLR fighters. The ongoing conflict in eastern DR Congo, driven by the M23’s advancements, has led to significant displacement and humanitarian challenges. Calls for a ceasefire reflect the urgent need to resolve the escalating tensions and violence in the region.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
