Rwandan President Paul Kagame has criticized Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi, suggesting he should not lead the DRC. This comment emerges amid rising tensions linked to the ongoing conflict in which the Rwandan-backed M23 group controls significant territory in Eastern Congo. The presence of Rwandan troops alongside M23 raises questions about Rwanda’s military involvement as international legal concerns surface regarding armed conflicts in the area.
In a notable escalation of diplomatic tension, Rwandan President Paul Kagame has publicly criticized Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi, indicating that he should not hold the leadership of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This assertion was made during an interview with social media influencer Mario Nawfal, where Kagame expressed his view about Tshisekedi’s presidency with a pointed remark, stating, “I wish he wasn’t president of that good country.”
The conflict between Rwanda and the DRC has claimed thousands of lives, particularly in the eastern region, where the Rwandan-backed M23 rebel group has gained territory after a swift offensive against the Congolese army. Since its resurgence in December 2024, M23 has escalated its control, capturing strategic locations, including Goma, the largest city in Eastern Congo, in late January 2025. Following this victory, M23 has set its sights on Kinshasa, advancing rapidly towards the capital, situated over 2,000 kilometers away.
This ongoing conflict is regarded as the worst escalation in a protracted struggle rooted in the aftermath of the 1994 Rwandan genocide alongside the quest for access to Congo’s mineral resources. The United Nations has reported that more than 4,000 Rwandan troops are currently engaged in the DRC, purportedly supporting M23. In a defensive stance, Kagame defended his country’s military involvement, stating, “Rwanda has taken defensive measures,” though he appeared vague when directly questioned about Rwandan troop presence, replying, “I don’t know.”
Nonetheless, Kagame’s response hinted at potential confirmation of Rwandan military actions in Congo as he questioned the motivation behind inquiries regarding troop deployment, suggesting an underlying acknowledgment of the situation. Furthermore, the International Criminal Court (ICC) Chief Prosecutor, Karim Khan, has underscored a stern warning that any armed factions in the DRC will be pursued and face justice for their actions.
The remarks made by President Kagame not only illustrate the ongoing diplomatic friction between Rwanda and the DRC but also emphasize the severe implications of the conflict in Eastern Congo, including the rise of armed groups such as M23. The acknowledgment of Rwandan troop involvement complicates the narrative surrounding the conflict, underscoring the historical roots of the tensions while signaling potential international scrutiny and judicial consequences as highlighted by the ICC. Overall, the situation remains precarious, warranting continued international attention.
Original Source: chimpreports.com
