The DRC military denied the capture of 20 alleged Hutu rebels, calling the handover to Rwanda a staged event. The M23 group had reported the capture, which the DRC deemed as a tactic by Rwanda to justify its actions in the region. Accusations of war crimes against Rwandan forces further complicate the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC, heightening fears of regional instability.
The Democratic Republic of Congo’s military has rejected claims that 20 fighters associated with the Hutu militia linked to the Rwandan genocide were captured on Congolese soil. This denial followed the M23 armed group, which is supported by Rwanda, reporting the alleged capture of members from the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR). The M23 subsequently shared a video depicting the handover of these fighters to Rwandan authorities at a border crossing.
Congolese military officials referred to the incident as a fabricated event intended to undermine their credibility. They asserted that it is part of a Rwandan strategy designed to validate its military interventions in eastern DRC. According to the Congolese high command, the Rwandan authorities allegedly utilized old FDLR detainees, dressed them in new uniforms, and portrayed them as recently captured fighters.
Additionally, the DRC military accused Rwanda of committing war crimes, including the summary execution of injured soldiers at a field hospital in Goma. The ongoing conflict in eastern DRC has heightened concerns about a potential expanded regional war involving Rwanda, Uganda, and other neighboring countries. The situation remains tense with serious implications for regional stability.
In summary, the DRC military has categorically denied the capture of alleged FDLR fighters, labeling the handover as staged by Rwandan forces. This incident is viewed as part of a broader strategy by Rwanda to justify its involvement in eastern DRC. The tensions between these nations escalate, raising fears of a larger conflict in the region.
Original Source: jordantimes.com
