Kagame Defends Rwanda’s Actions Amid Rising Violence in Eastern Congo

Rwandan President Kagame dismissed accusations regarding Rwanda’s involvement in eastern Congo, where M23 rebels recently captured Goma. This escalation of violence has drawn international concerns, leading to halted aid talks from Germany and cautions from the U.S. Kagame criticized neighboring states for failing to address the conflict and warned of confrontation if necessary.

Rwandan President Paul Kagame has firmly rejected criticism of his country’s involvement in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, asserting that Rwanda is ready for direct confrontation if necessary. The M23 rebels, backed by Rwandan troops, recently seized Goma and are advancing towards Bukavu, marking a significant escalation in the conflict. This intervention has led to international condemnation, with countries like the United States expressing deep concern and Germany halting aid discussions with Rwanda.

The advancing of M23 rebels could allow them to control territory that has not been held by previous rebellions since the cessation of the Congo War two decades ago. This raises the potential risk of a new wider conflict involving multiple nations. Meanwhile, Burundian troops support the Congolese military amid tensions with Rwanda, which has a complicated history of intervening in Congo’s internal affairs.

During an emergency summit of the East African Community, President Kagame criticized neighboring countries for failing to resolve the violent clashes between Congo and M23 over the past three years. Kagame expressed, “Is there anybody among us who did not see this coming?” highlighting the lack of effective leadership in handling the situation. President Felix Tshisekedi of Congo did not participate in the summit, opting instead to address the public about a military strategy to reclaim lost territory.

In response to comments made by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa regarding the escalation of violence attributed to M23 and Rwandan forces, Kagame accused South Africa of collaborating with militia factions linked to the perpetrators of the 1994 Rwandan genocide. Kagame warned that South Africa is not suited to act as a peace mediator, stating that Rwanda is prepared to confront any threats directly if necessary.

Following the capture of Goma, M23 fighters advanced southward from Minova along Lake Kivu, attempting to capture nearby Nyabibwe but facing resistance from Congolese forces. The M23, reflecting Tutsi-led insurgencies supported by Rwanda since the 1994 genocide, has been accused of having Rwandan military assistance during their operations in Congo, which Rwanda denies. Rwanda maintains that it is compelled to act in self-defense against threats from Congolese militias that it alleges are harbored in Congo.

The Democratic Republic of Congo has experienced decades of conflict, particularly stemming from the aftermath of the Rwandan genocide in 1994. Rwanda has been implicated in the conflicts through the backing of various rebel groups, primarily the M23, which has recently gained ground in the eastern region of Congo. The situation escalated dramatically with M23 seizing key territories, prompting international reactions and concerns over potential broader implications of the conflict.

The ongoing conflict in eastern Congo continues to draw international scrutiny, particularly regarding Rwanda’s involvement and the rise of M23 rebels. As regional tensions heighten, international leaders express varying degrees of concern, with calls for a ceasefire and diplomatic solutions. The potential for an all-out conflict remains a pressing issue as Rwanda and neighboring countries navigate their responses to the evolving situation.

Original Source: www.usnews.com