The Rwandan Embassy in Sweden responded to a summons over accusations of supporting M23 rebels, emphasizing the security threats posed by the FDLR. They criticized Sweden for neglecting the plight of Congolese Tutsi communities. The embassy underscored the complexity of the DRC crisis, urging for an impartial international approach and support for African-led mediation efforts.
The Embassy of Rwanda in Stockholm has officially responded to a summons issued by Sweden’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs concerning Rwanda’s alleged involvement in the conflict in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). In its statement, the embassy criticized Sweden’s lack of acknowledgment regarding the persecution of Congolese Tutsi communities, highlighting an alignment with Belgium on this sensitive issue. Moreover, Rwanda has consistently refuted accusations of supporting the M23 rebels, attributing its actions to significant security threats posed by the FDLR, a militant group linked to the perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
The embassy maintained that Rwanda is compelled to take defensive measures to safeguard its national security, especially as FDLR encroachment occurs just two kilometers from its border. “Only the RDF and the Commander-in-Chief can determine the necessary defensive measures to protect the lives of Rwandans” the statement emphasized. Furthermore, Rwanda asserted its refusal to be undermined or coerced into compromising its security.
Criticism was also directed towards Sweden for adopting a perceived double standard in addressing the crisis, particularly its silence regarding the ethnic persecution faced by the Congolese Tutsi community. The embassy pointed out that it is in Sweden’s best interest, given its lack of a colonial history with Rwanda, to adopt an impartial and ethical diplomatic approach, as opposed to mirroring Belgium’s critical stance.
Rwanda took issue with the international narrative oversimplifying the DRC crisis to the claim that “Rwanda backs M23.” The embassy clarified that M23 represents a Congolese movement addressing legitimate grievances related to the DRC government’s failure to uphold peace agreements and protect Kinyarwanda-speaking Congolese, particularly the Tutsi community, which continues to endure persecution and violence.
In its critique of the international community’s response, the embassy referenced the UN’s mandate facilitating support to forces aligned with the DRC government, which cooperates with the FDLR. It noticed that while the UN has acknowledged this collaboration, no punitive actions have been directed towards the DRC government. Moreover, they noted Sweden’s failure to condemn attacks against Rwanda, including shelling by the FDLR in June 2022.
Rwanda expressed its commitment to humanitarian initiatives, stating it has welcomed refugees, including FARDC troops and FDLR elements, and facilitated safe passage for European personnel involved in the region. The statement criticized Sweden’s lack of response to the unauthorized recruitment of European mercenaries by the DRC government. The embassy called upon Sweden to acknowledge and support the African-led mediation efforts within the ongoing crisis, aiming for a secure border and an end to ethnic extremism.
Ultimately, Rwanda asserted that cycles of conflict driven by governmental failures and the international community’s passiveness must not continue.
In summary, the Rwandan Embassy’s statement reflects strong objections to Sweden’s stance in the ongoing DRC crisis, emphasizing perceived biases while defending Rwanda’s actions as necessary for national security. The embassy urges an equitable approach that takes into account the humanitarian and security dynamics in the region. Rwanda’s commitment to regional stability and support for African-led mediation efforts underscores the need for a more balanced international response to the complexities of the DRC conflict.
Original Source: www.newtimes.co.rw
