The DRC army dismissed claims of capturing 20 alleged FDLR fighters as a hoax, asserting that the handover to Rwanda was staged. The M23 rebel group claimed to have captured the fighters, alleging their involvement in the 1994 Rwandan genocide. The DRC military accused the Rwandan army of executing wounded soldiers and manipulating circumstances to justify their involvement in eastern DRC.
The Democratic Republic of Congo’s military refuted claims regarding the capture of 20 alleged fighters associated with the Rwandan genocide, labeling the handover to Rwanda as a fabricated event. This assertion followed a statement by the Rwanda-supported M23 rebel group, which claimed to have apprehended members of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a militia predominantly composed of ethnic Hutus who participated in the 1994 genocide.
The M23 released footage purporting to show its forces transferring the alleged FDLR fighters to Rwandan authorities at the border crossing. In response, Congolese army officials described the incident as a staged act aimed solely at tarnishing their military’s reputation. They further accused Rwanda of manipulating the situation to justify its aggressive actions in eastern DRC, where the M23 has made significant territorial gains.
The Congolese military stated, “This is a faked incident in poor taste orchestrated with the sole aim of discrediting our army.’ They also accused the Rwandan army of conducting summary executions of injured soldiers at a local hospital, which they deemed a violation of international law.
Heightening tensions in the region raises concerns about the potential for the conflict to extend beyond DRC borders, potentially involving Rwanda, Uganda, and other neighboring countries. The ongoing violence emphasizes the complexity and fragility of stability in the mineral-rich eastern area of the DRC.
In summary, the DRC’s military has categorically rejected the claims of capturing alleged FDLR fighters, branding the handover to Rwanda as an orchestrated deception. This proclamation aligns with ongoing accusations against Rwanda regarding their involvement in regional conflicts and manipulation of public perception. With the situation escalating, there are increased fears of a broader conflict involving regional actors.
Original Source: jordantimes.com
