Rwandan President Paul Kagame, in a CNN interview, expressed uncertainty about whether Rwandan troops are present in the DRC amidst rising conflict with the M23 group. Although he denied knowledge of troop deployments, he emphasized Rwanda’s commitment to self-protection against perceived threats, particularly from the FDLR. Kagame rejected comparisons to Putin’s actions in Ukraine, asserting that Rwanda must secure its own survival in challenging circumstances.
In a recent interview with CNN, Rwandan President Paul Kagame expressed uncertainty regarding the presence of Rwandan troops in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where escalating conflict with the M23 armed group has led to significant casualties. Despite his role as commander-in-chief of the Rwandan Defence Force, Kagame stated, “I don’t know” if Rwandan soldiers are deployed in the DRC, although he acknowledged the existence of issues in the region that concern Rwanda.
Kagame’s comments come amid allegations from the international community that Rwanda is providing support to the M23 rebels, who reportedly captured Goma. United Nations experts estimate that between 3,000 and 4,000 Rwandan soldiers are actively involved in assisting the M23, which raises questions about Rwanda’s military involvement in the ongoing conflict.
During the interview, Kagame referred to the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) as an “existential threat” to Rwanda, accusing them of being integrated into the Congolese military and suggesting external government support for the group. Kagame emphasized Rwanda’s responsibility for its security, asserting, “Nobody is going to do it for us,” reflecting a strong stance on national defense.
When questioned about comparisons to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s actions in Ukraine, Kagame acknowledged the discourse while asserting his commitment to national security. He reiterated that Rwanda is prepared to take necessary actions to protect itself, without disclosing specific military strategies while stating, “We have to survive any storm that blows across our country.”
The Democratic Republic of Congo has experienced prolonged instability and violence, exacerbated by various armed groups, including the M23 and FDLR. Rwanda has historically been accused of intervening in DRC’s internal conflicts, often in pursuit of its national security interests. The international community, including the United Nations, has scrutinized Rwanda’s role in the DRC, particularly regarding its alleged support for rebel factions. This context provides insight into President Kagame’s recent statements and the complexities surrounding the relationship between Rwanda and the DRC.
President Kagame’s uncertain assertions about Rwandan troops in the DRC reflect a complex situation marked by allegations of military support for rebel groups amid significant regional instability. His insistence on Rwanda’s right to self-protection highlights the ongoing tension in eastern Congo, while the comparisons to other international conflicts underscore the scrutiny Rwanda faces on the global stage. Kagame’s commitment to safeguard Rwanda’s interests remains steadfast, even as the situation unfolds.
Original Source: edition.cnn.com
