The DRC army has denied the capture of 20 alleged FDLR fighters, asserting that the handover video was fabricated to discredit the DRC’s armed forces. The M23, supported by Rwanda, previously claimed responsibility for capturing the fighters, highlighting the ongoing conflict and escalating tensions amid accusations of war crimes by the Rwandan army.
On March 2, 2025, the Democratic Republic of Congo’s military strongly denied claiming the capture of 20 fighters associated with the Rwandan genocide. They labeled a video depicting the handover of these alleged fighters to Rwanda as “faked,” asserting it was part of a disinformation campaign by Rwanda to justify its military involvement in the DRC’s eastern regions.
This assertion followed the M23 rebel group, backed by Rwanda, which had announced capturing members of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR)—a militia formed by Hutus linked to the 1994 genocide of Tutsis in Rwanda. The M23 provided video evidence of the transfer at a border crossing between the two nations, which sparked the DRC’s assertion of fabrication.
The DRC military claimed that the Rwandan authorities staged the incident by utilizing old FDLR detainees, re-clothing them in military attire and suggesting they were newly captured individuals from Goma. Furthermore, they accused Rwanda’s forces of conducting unlawful executions of wounded soldiers, suggesting this could qualify as a war crime or a crime against humanity.
The ongoing conflict in the eastern DRC raises concerns regarding a potential escalation into a broader regional war, potentially involving Rwanda, Uganda, and additional countries, thereby deepening the humanitarian crisis in the area.
In summary, the DRC’s military has refuted claims regarding the capture of fighters by asserting the staged nature of the handover video broadcasted by the M23. This incident reflects the broader tensions and ongoing conflict involving various armed groups in eastern DRC, with serious implications for the region’s stability.
Original Source: jordantimes.com
