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Rwanda Accused of Illegal Occupation in DRC

Rwanda is reportedly engaged in an unlawful occupation of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and is allegedly attempting to instigate a change in its government, according to the DRC’s foreign minister, Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, in an interview with the BBC.

Wagner mentioned that this situation arises from years of impunity regarding actions taken by Rwandan President Paul Kagame, pointing to a lack of accountability for violations of international law.

Her remarks follow the recent escalation of violence, as M23 rebels, armed and supported by Rwanda, have taken control of Goma, a city in eastern Congo, and have threatened to advance towards the capital, Kinshasa.

In response, Rwandan government spokeswoman Yolande Makolo refuted these claims, asserting that Rwandan troops are present to safeguard their nation from potential spillover conflicts. “We’re not interested in war, we’re not interested in annexation, we’re not interested in regime change,” Makolo stated on the BBC’s Newsday programme.

The situation prompted a special meeting of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), a regional organization consisting of 16 member states, which is set to convene on Friday in Zimbabwe to address the ongoing turmoil in the DRC.

In an effort to stabilize the region, SADC has deployed peacekeeping forces, primarily from South Africa, to the DRC to combat armed groups like the M23 and to help restore order in the resource-rich area after years of instability. However, this mission has seen casualties; reports indicate that sixteen SADC soldiers have been killed in clashes with the M23 around Goma in the last week alone.

Amid escalating tensions, President Kagame has expressed criticism towards SADC’s involvement, labeling their troops as “not a peacekeeping force” and suggesting they have no legitimate role in the conflict.

Makolo reiterated Rwanda’s position, arguing that their military presence is vital for national security in light of what she described as “repeated violations” across their borders, which have resulted in fatalities due to cross-border shelling. “The DRC needs to do a better job of getting their territory in order. That is their responsibility,” she said.

In contrast, Minister Wagner has called for international action, advocating for a cessation of foreign aid to Rwanda and the imposition of sanctions on those in leadership who are purportedly facilitating this conflict. She emphasized the need for Rwanda’s military forces to be suspended from United Nations peacekeeping missions globally, asserting the inconsistency of their role as a peace-promoting nation while allegedly engaging in warfare within the Great Lakes region. “We have to witness a country that presents itself as a peace-bringer in other countries, be(ing) a warmonger in the Great Lakes region,” Wagner concluded.

Source
www.bbc.com