DR Congo’s President Felix Tshisekedi has urged for countermeasures against Rwanda amid escalating tensions in eastern Congo. He highlighted the lack of response to Rwanda’s provocations, as the ongoing conflict has displaced millions. Rwandan Defense Minister Juvenal Marizamunda denied any benefit to Rwanda from instability, while recent rebel advances have intensified the crisis, drawing further accusations against Rwanda. Dialogue remains crucial for resolution.
Felix Tshisekedi, the President of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has called for “countermeasures” against Rwanda due to rising tensions in eastern Congo. During the Munich Security Conference, he stated, “Rwanda has repeatedly provoked such situations for many years, and there have not been any countermeasures taken.” The ongoing conflict has displaced over 7 million people within Congo, prompting Tshisekedi to emphasize the urgent need for regional stability to prevent further unrest on the continent.
Rwandan Defense Minister Juvenal Marizamunda, present at the event, acknowledged the crisis in eastern DRC, calling it a regional challenge. He declared, “Rwanda has nothing to gain from an unstable DRC,” indicating that instability adversely impacts Rwanda as well. Despite the tensions, Christoph Heusgen, the panel’s moderator, encouraged dialogue between the Congolese and Rwandan representatives to address the situation constructively.
In a recent development, M23 rebels claimed control of Kavumu airport, situated 25 kilometers from Bukavu, along with advancing into the city itself. The conflict has escalated since January 26, resulting in over 3,000 fatalities and displacing around 500,000 additional individuals. Kinshasa has accused Rwanda of supporting these rebels, a claim that Kigali vehemently denies.
The escalating conflict in eastern Congo has prompted President Felix Tshisekedi to advocate for countermeasures against Rwanda, emphasizing the need for regional stability. With millions displaced and allegations of Rwandan support for M23 rebels, both nations face significant challenges. Diplomatic dialogue is deemed essential to address these complexities and seek a peaceful resolution.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
