Rwanda’s Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe stated that Rwanda will not take responsibility for the governance failures of the DRC during a meeting with EU diplomat Kaja Kallas. He outlined the security threats from Congolese militias and criticized the accusations against Rwanda. The ongoing conflict, particularly with M23, necessitates a cessation of hostilities and dialogue to resolve issues facing the communities in eastern DRC.
On March 10, Amb. Olivier Nduhungirehe, Rwanda’s Foreign Minister, emphasized that Rwanda will not shoulder the repercussions of the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s (DRC) governance failures. This statement was made during a meeting with Kaja Kallas, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy in Brussels. Nduhungirehe asserted that Rwanda’s national security concerns have been inadequately acknowledged, particularly the threat from Congolese-based militias like the FDLR, which has historical ties to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
The ongoing conflict between the Congolese government and various rebel groups, including M23, has escalated since 2021. M23 rebel forces, alongside other armed groups, have advanced through North and South Kivu provinces, capturing significant territories including Goma and Bukavu. Despite the DRC government’s accusations of Rwandan support for M23, Nduhungirehe insists that these claims are unfounded and that the majority of M23 fighters represent Congolese communities, long oppressed by their own government.
During the EU meeting, Nduhungirehe criticized the misrepresentation of the DRC crisis and noted that one-sided measures against Rwanda only bolster the Congolese government’s stance, prolonging the conflict. He outlined that a cessation of hostilities and political dialogue between M23 and the Congolese government are pivotal for resolving the crisis. Kallas acknowledged these concerns but reiterated that M23 must respect DRC’s sovereignty.
Responses from various experts and diplomats highlighted that the M23 rebels are fighting for their rights and survival in the face of ethnic persecution. The international community, however, has been accused of neglecting the violent oppression of Kinyarwanda-speaking communities in the region, paving way for the humanitarian crises faced by these groups. Allegations of the Congolese army’s targeted attacks on civilians were brought to light, questioning the responsiveness of international actors to the plight of affected populations in eastern DRC.
The meeting between Rwanda’s Foreign Minister and the EU’s top diplomat underscores the complex dynamics of the DRC conflict, highlighting Rwanda’s refusal to accept responsibility for the governance failures of the DRC. The ongoing allegations against Rwanda and the call for dialogue reflect the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to address both security and humanitarian issues in the region. Emphasizing the rights of Congolese communities and the necessity for international attention to acts of violence are critical for moving towards a peaceful resolution.
Original Source: www.newtimes.co.rw
