DR Congo’s Foreign Minister accuses Rwanda of illegal occupation and instigation of regime change amid the M23 rebellion. Rwanda denies the accusations, asserting its troops are present for national security. SADC convenes to address the crisis, while Wagner calls for sanctions against Rwanda and cessation of international aid.
The Democratic Republic of Congo’s Foreign Minister, Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, accused Rwanda of unlawfully occupying parts of the country and attempting to instigate regime change, particularly in light of the recent capture of Goma by Rwanda-backed M23 rebels. She claimed these actions reflect a long-standing culture of impunity regarding Rwandan President Paul Kagame’s violations of international law. Meanwhile, Rwanda’s government spokesperson, Yolande Makolo, refuted these claims, asserting that their troops are deployed solely for national security and prevention of conflict escalation into Rwanda.
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) is convening a special meeting in Zimbabwe to address the ongoing crisis in the DRC. This meeting comes in response to violence in eastern Congo, where SADC has deployed peacekeeping forces, primarily from South Africa, in an effort to mitigate the influence of armed groups like the M23. In less than a week, clashes have resulted in the deaths of sixteen SADC soldiers in the Goma area.
In a recent exchange with South African officials, President Kagame characterized the SADC troops as inappropriate for the situation. Makolo emphasized that Rwanda’s military involvement is focused on border security following numerous cross-border shelling incidents and stressed the DRC’s responsibility for managing its territorial affairs effectively.
Minister Wagner demanded that international aid to Rwanda be ceased and called for sanctions against leaders supporting the conflict. Furthermore, she urged the suspension of Rwandan troops from UN peacekeeping missions due to their conduct in the Great Lakes region, highlighting the inconsistency of Rwanda’s peace-efforts abroad while engaging in warfare at home.
The situation between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo has been tense, especially concerning the presence of Rwandan-backed rebel groups in Congolese territory. Historical conflicts and regional politics have contributed to the ongoing instability, with Rwanda being accused of supporting armed groups that challenge the DRC government. The importance of international oversight and potential sanctions is underscored by recent developments to restore peace and stability in the mineral-rich region that has long been plagued by unrest.
In summary, Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner’s statements highlight the ongoing accusations against Rwanda for its military presence in the DRC amidst the M23 rebellion. The SADC’s involvement illustrates regional attempts to restore order, but the conflict continues to raise complex issues of accountability, international law, and security. Calls for sanctions and suspension of Rwandan peacekeepers further emphasize the necessity for a coherent response to the crisis.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
