The FARDC has dismissed Rwanda’s claims of capturing FDLR Commander Ezéchiel Gakwerere and others as a fabrication to justify Rwandan aggression towards the DRC. The Congolese military has identified discrepancies in the report and accused Rwanda of staging the incident while also rejecting any connections with FDLR rebels. Escalating tensions between the DRC and Rwanda continue to destabilize the region amid claims of war crimes and geopolitical maneuvering.
Kinshasa – The Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) have categorically denied Rwanda’s assertions regarding the capture and repatriation of FDLR Commander Ezéchiel Gakwerere and 14 presumed FDLR fighters. FARDC has labeled this incident a “staged operation” aimed at justifying Rwanda’s alleged aggressive actions towards the DRC.
Following the announcement by the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) and M23 rebels about Gakwerere’s capture, FARDC stated that this move was a poorly executed tactic designed to undermine the credibility of their own army and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) forces. FARDC spokesperson General-Major Ekenge Bomusa Efomi Sylvain highlighted that this narrative aligns with Rwanda’s broader strategy to rationalize its military actions within Congolese territory.
The Congolese military has raised significant doubts about the credibility of the alleged repatriation. They pointed out discrepancies in the list of captured individuals, noting the inclusion of Patrick Ishimwe, who had previously been presented in Rwandan media as being active much earlier. Furthermore, FARDC accused the Rwandan authorities of manipulating captured individuals by allegedly dressing former FDLR inmates in FARDC uniforms to create a false narrative of capture.
In defense of their position, RDF claims that the captured individuals were collaborating with FARDC and other groups, asserting that intelligence indicates FDLR fighters have relocated to various regions. According to FARDC, such allegations fit within Rwanda’s strategic efforts to justify its ongoing military involvement in eastern Congo.
The DRC military has vehemently rejected any connections between their operations and FDLR rebels, contending that such claims serve as a ruse for Rwanda to maintain its military influence and support M23’s insurgency. The FARDC has also accused Rwandan forces of committing serious violations of international law, specifically citing acts of summary execution targeting sick and injured Congolese soldiers.
Escalating tensions between the DRC and Rwanda have predominated, particularly with the ongoing M23 rebellion leading to instability in North Kivu. Despite Rwanda’s claims of pursuing genocidal elements, the DRC government asserts that the M23 rebellion is fundamentally a proxy for Rwanda’s territorial ambitions in the region.
In summary, the FARDC has rebutted Rwanda’s claims of capturing FDLR fighters as a fabricated operation intended to legitimize Rwanda’s military actions within the DRC. The allegations underscore the increasing territorial tensions between the two nations and raise serious concerns regarding accountability for violations of international law. As the situation evolves, it highlights the complexities of regional dynamics and the implications of alleged foreign interventions.
Original Source: chimpreports.com
