DR Congo’s Foreign Minister, Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, has accused Rwanda of illegal occupation and attempts at regime change, citing the M23 rebel threat in Goma. Rwanda denies these claims, arguing its troops aim to secure borders from conflict spillover. The SADC is addressing the situation, following troop losses to M23, while Wagner calls for sanctions against Rwanda and accountability in regional conflicts.
The Democratic Republic of Congo’s Foreign Minister, Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, alleges that Rwanda is illegally occupying Congolese territory and pursuing regime change. This assertion follows the seizure of Goma by M23 rebels, who receive backing from Rwanda and threaten further advances toward the Congolese capital, Kinshasa. Wagner emphasizes a history of Rwandan impunity, particularly concerning President Paul Kagame’s violations of international law.
In response to these claims, Rwanda’s government spokesperson, Yolande Makolo, refutes the allegations, stating that their troops are acting to secure borders in light of cross-border attacks. She insists that Rwanda is not seeking war or annexation and emphasizes that the DRC should manage its territorial integrity more effectively. Furthermore, Rwanda’s President Kagame has criticized the Southern African Development Community (SADC) peacekeeping mission as inappropriate for the current conflict.
The SADC, comprising 16 member nations, convened to address the ongoing situation in DR Congo. The organization has deployed peacekeeping forces, mainly from South Africa, to aid in restoring order amid the unrest exacerbated by M23 activities. Recently, sixteen SADC soldiers have lost their lives in confrontations with the M23 near Goma, heightening concern over the escalation of violence.
Minister Wagner advocates for a cessation of foreign aid to Rwanda and the imposition of sanctions on leaders supporting conflict. She also demands that Rwandan troops be barred from participating in UN peacekeeping operations globally. Wagner calls for accountability, questioning the contradiction of Rwanda’s role as a purported peacekeeper while engaging in aggressive actions in the Great Lakes region.
The current tensions between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo are deeply rooted in a history of conflict, particularly in the eastern regions of Congo, where armed groups have long operated. M23, an insurgent group with ties to Rwanda, has led to increased military actions and accusations of foreign interference in Congolese sovereignty. This situation is compounded by Rwanda’s historical involvement in the region, including its role in the Rwandan Genocide and subsequent refugee crises, making stability in the Great Lakes a complex issue colored by decades of unresolved grievances and geopolitical interests.
In summary, the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo remains volatile, with accusations of illegal occupation by Rwandan forces amid ongoing conflict with the M23 rebels. Both countries engage in a war of words regarding territorial integrity and international involvement, highlighting the need for dialogue and resolution. Minister Wagner’s call for sanctions and accountability underscores the complexity of regional politics and the critical need for comprehensive peacekeeping efforts by international bodies.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
