The protest against Rwanda’s President Kagame in the DRC highlights accusations of Rwandan support for the M23 rebels, who have gained control in Goma. UN reports affirm that Rwandan troops are backing the M23 with advanced weaponry and training. This conflict is deeply intertwined with historical tensions stemming from the Rwandan genocide, shaping regional dynamics and security concerns.
Recent protests in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), have erupted against Rwandan President Paul Kagame amid M23 rebels controlling significant parts of Goma. Protesters accuse Kagame of supporting the M23, a claim that has been substantiated by United Nations reports suggesting that Rwandan troops are actively involved in M23 operations. Goma, located near the Rwandan border, is crucial both as a trade hub and due to its mineral wealth.
The emergence of M23, which advocates for the interests of the Tutsi minority in eastern DRC, has been a longstanding issue linked to conflicts originating from the Rwandan genocide in 1994, where the Hutu militia fled to DRC. The instability in eastern DRC is further exacerbated by the presence of groups like the FDLR, which still includes elements from the genocide. President Kagame regards these groups as threats to Rwandan security, leading to repeated military interventions.
The situation in eastern DRC continues to deteriorate, primarily due to the M23’s operations supported by Rwandan military involvement. Not only does this create further instability within the region, but it also exacerbates tensions with neighboring countries. The international community is watching closely as the conflict unfolds, particularly as the DRC government deals with rebel presence and accusations of foreign military intervention.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
