Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, DRC’s Foreign Minister, accused Rwanda of illegal occupation and attempted regime change amid recent M23 rebel advances in Goma. Rwanda denied these claims, asserting its forces are there for border security. The SADC is convening a special meeting to address the conflict while Wagner demands sanctions against Rwanda and the suspension of its peacekeeping troops.
Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, the Foreign Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has accused Rwanda of illegal occupation of Congolese territory and attempts to instigate regime change. These statements follow the seizure of Goma by Rwanda-backed M23 rebels, who have threatened to push their offensive towards Kinshasa. Wagner’s comments reflect longstanding frustrations regarding the lack of accountability for Rwandan President Paul Kagame’s actions, which she characterizes as violations of international law.
In response to these allegations, Yolande Makolo, the spokesperson for Rwanda’s government, denied any intentions of war, annexation, or regime change, claiming their troops are only present to curb the threat of conflict spilling over into Rwanda. Meanwhile, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) is convening a special meeting to address the situation in the DRC, where peacekeeping efforts have been complicated by violence, including the deaths of Sadc soldiers in confrontations with the M23.
President Kagame has engaged in a public dispute with South Africa’s leader, asserting that the Sadc forces do not serve as peacekeepers and are unwelcome in the ongoing situation. Makolo emphasized that Rwanda’s military presence is a protective measure in response to ongoing cross-border incidents and urged the DRC to stabilize its own territory.
Minister Wagner condemned the foreign aid provided to Rwanda, advocating for the imposition of sanctions against those orchestrating violence. She also called for the suspension of Rwandan troops from UN peacekeeping missions, highlighting the inconsistency of a nation that claims to promote peace while engaging in armed conflict within the Great Lakes region.
The Democratic Republic of Congo is currently facing significant instability, exacerbated by the rise of M23 rebels, who are believed to be supported by Rwanda. Historical tensions between the two nations, fueled by accusations of territorial incursions and exploitative actions, have made this region especially volatile. The complexities of foreign military involvement, alongside local governance challenges, compound the difficulties in achieving lasting peace and security in the region.
The allegations made by Minister Wagner highlight the ongoing tensions between the DRC and Rwanda. With international involvement, such as the presence of SADC peacekeeping forces, the situation remains precarious. The call for sanctions against Rwandan officials underscores the urgency of addressing violations of international norms, while Rwanda maintains its stance of self-defense against perceived threats. This conflict underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to address the root causes of violence in the Great Lakes region.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
