DR Congo’s President Felix Tshisekedi has called for “countermeasures” against Rwanda due to the ongoing conflict in eastern Congo, which has led to over 7 million displaced people. Rwandan officials stressed that Rwanda has no interest in instability in the DRC, as the crisis affects their own country. The M23 rebels have intensified their actions, capturing key locations amid rising violence that has resulted in significant casualties and displacements.
Felix Tshisekedi, the President of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), called for “countermeasures” against Rwanda during a discussion at the Munich Security Conference. He emphasized that Rwanda has a history of provoking conflicts in the region without repercussions: “Rwanda has repeatedly provoked such situations for many years, and there have not been any countermeasures taken.” This appeal comes amidst escalating violence in eastern Congo, where over 7 million individuals are internally displaced due to ongoing conflict. Tshisekedi warned of potential precedents for instability on the African continent if these issues remain unaddressed.
Rwandan Defense Minister Juvenal Marizamunda responded to Tshisekedi’s claims, stating that Rwanda suffers from the unrest in the DRC as it experiences significant humanitarian and economic consequences. He argued, “Rwanda has nothing to gain from an unstable DRC,” seeking to clarify Rwanda’s role in the conflict. Moderator Christoph Heusgen proposed that dialogue between the two nations could be the path forward rather than public declarations.
The situation worsened as M23 rebels announced the capture of Kavumu airport nearby Bukavu, leading to further unrest in the province of South Kivu. The UN reported that since January 26, more than 3,000 individuals have been killed, with nearly 500,000 displaced, adding to the existing 6.4 million already affected. Kinshasa has accused Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebels, claims that Kigali has consistently denied. The conflict has resulted in significant casualties, including the deaths of at least 20 peacekeepers.
In summary, President Tshisekedi’s call for action against Rwanda highlights the longstanding tensions and the repercussions of conflict in eastern Congo. The exchange during the Munich Security Conference underlines the urgent need for dialogue to prevent further destabilization in the region. The ongoing situation remains critical, with significant humanitarian implications as violence escalates, and both nations must seek a comprehensive resolution to restore peace.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
