Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb Nduhungirehe, affirmed Rwanda’s commitment to the Luanda peace process, dismissing allegations of troop deployments to support M23 rebels in DR Congo. He emphasized that discussions focus on neutralizing the FDLR and asserted Rwanda’s readiness to engage in peace agreements that align with national security interests.
Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe, Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, reaffirmed Rwanda’s commitment to the agreements established under the Luanda peace process during a recent interview on BBC’s Focus on Africa. He dismissed allegations regarding Rwanda’s military support for the M23 rebels in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo). Ambassador Nduhungirehe stated, “We are bound by what we say and we signed in Luanda. In Luanda, what is on the table now is a harmonized plan for the neutralization of the FDLR, and then the lifting of our [security] measures.” The Luanda process, supported by the African Union and initiated in mid-2022, aims to mitigate the diplomatic tensions between Rwanda and DR Congo, stemming from conflict involving the Congolese army and the M23 rebels. The Minister clarified that there are no provisions under the Luanda agreements for the withdrawal of Rwandan troops, countering claims made by the Congolese government. When asked about the possibility of signing a peace agreement with DR Congo, Ambassador Nduhungirehe emphasized Rwanda’s readiness to consider agreements aligned with its security interests. He noted that existing troop-related discussions focus on combating the FDLR, a militia linked to the 1994 Rwandan genocide, rather than troop withdrawal. Rwanda perceives its military presence as a necessary measure for national defense against security threats.
The ongoing diplomatic tensions between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) have historical roots, often exacerbated by the presence of armed groups in the eastern part of DR Congo, particularly the FDLR. The Luanda process, initiated to consolidate peace efforts, involves various African Union stakeholders and addresses security concerns while seeking to stabilize the region. Rwanda’s stance is predominately focused on protecting its territorial integrity against external threats, emphasizing the importance of neutralizing groups that threaten both Rwandan and broader regional security.
In summary, Ambassador Nduhungirehe’s statements underscore Rwanda’s commitment to the Luanda peace process and its determination to address security concerns without supporting any armed groups. The clarity regarding troop deployments and Rwanda’s defensive measures reflects the country’s focus on maintaining stability in the face of ongoing regional tensions. The Minister’s comments portray Rwanda as both proactive and responsive to security threats while advocating for meaningful dialogue to resolve long-standing issues surrounding the M23 and FDLR conflicts.
Original Source: www.newtimes.co.rw
