Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, the DRC’s foreign minister, accused Rwanda of illegal occupation and regime change in light of the M23 rebellion. Rwanda denied these claims, stating its troops are defending against cross-border threats. SADC is meeting to discuss the DRC crisis, where its peacekeeping forces have faced fatalities amid ongoing conflicts. Wagner demands sanctions against Rwanda and a halt to foreign aid to the nation.
In a recent statement to the BBC, Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, the Foreign Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), accused Rwanda of illegally occupying its territory and seeking to instigate regime change. Her remarks followed the recent seizure of the eastern city of Goma by Rwanda-backed M23 rebels, prompting concerns about escalating violence and territorial stability.
In response, Rwanda’s government spokeswoman, Yolande Makolo, dismissed these allegations, asserting that their military presence aimed to deter conflict from spilling into Rwanda. She emphasized that Rwanda is not pursuing war, annexation, or regime change.
A special meeting by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) is set to convene in Zimbabwe to address the escalation of violence in the DRC. SADC has dispatched peacekeeping troops, mainly from South Africa, to assist the DRC in countering armed groups like the M23. Tragically, several SADC soldiers have lost their lives in confrontations with M23 militants near Goma.
Rwandan President Kagame criticized SADC’s role, stating that its troops are not fulfilling a peacekeeping function in the current context. Makolo reaffirmed that Rwanda’s military efforts are necessary due to ongoing security threats, insisting that the DRC must enhance its control over its territory.
Minister Wagner called for halting foreign aid to Rwanda and imposing sanctions against those perpetuating conflict. Further, she urged the suspension of Rwandan troops from UN peacekeeping operations, highlighting the incongruity of a nation labeled as a peace advocate while engaging in warfare within the region.
The ongoing tension between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda has historical roots stemming from past conflicts and military incursions. The M23 group, supported by Rwanda, has been accused of committing various human rights violations and seeking to destabilize the eastern DRC, particularly around Goma. As both nations have overlapping interests in the resource-rich region, diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict remain crucial, with organizations like SADC stepping in to promote peace and stability. Understanding the dynamics between local governance, foreign military influence, and regional security is essential for comprehending the complexities at play in this volatile situation.
The situation in the DRC is precarious, prompting political and military discourse surrounding Rwanda’s involvement in the region. Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner’s statements underscore the DRC’s concerns over territorial sovereignty amid external aggression, while Rwandan officials defend their operations as protective measures. As SADC convenes to address these tensions, the calls for accountability and cessation of foreign support to Rwanda reflect broader regional concerns regarding peace and security.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
