Tensions between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo have risen with counter-accusations of supporting armed rebel groups.
On Wednesday, Rwanda issued a statement again rejecting allegations that it is supporting UN-sanctioned M23 rebels in eastern DRC.
“Accusing Rwanda of supporting the Congolese armed group M23 is wrong and diverts attention from the real cause of the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC and its impact on the security of neighboring states, including Rwanda,” the statement reads.
added that Blaming Rwanda undermines ongoing efforts by regional leaders to find lasting peace, particularly through the Nairobi and Luanda initiatives, to which Rwanda is fully committed.
“It is a mistake to confuse the measures that Rwanda has implemented to protect its borders with supporting any specific armed group in the DRC.”
But the ongoing crisis in eastern DRC is complicating Rwanda’s relationship with its Western allies, while the UN is said to be weighing sanctions against Rwanda for its alleged support of M23 rebels.
On Tuesday, it was France that presented Resolution 2667, voted unanimously, which adjusted the arms embargo on the DRC, eliminating the need for the FARDC (DRC forces) to seek prior authorization from the Security Council’s sanctions committee. UN. However, Resolution 2667 maintained the embargo on non-state actors, including armed groups.
France tabled the resolution just a day after it condemned Rwanda’s support for M23 rebels.
Despite growing international pressure, Rwanda claims to be a scapegoat and its security concerns have been ignored.
He has long expressed concern that the West is turning a blind eye to FDLR rebels in eastern DRC, who have waged war in Rwanda and count among their ranks individuals who participated in the 1994 genocide against Tutsis.
“There was no accountability for the failure of the DRC government to deal with the more than 130 armed groups on its territory, the grave abuses against civilians committed by the Congolese armed forces and their auxiliary armed groups, including the FDLR genocidal remnant militia, which was preserved by decades in the DRC.”
with international agencies