The Rwandan government has summoned the UK High Commissioner over comments by UK Minister Lord Collins, who connected Rwanda with the ADF terrorist group. Rwanda condemned these remarks as misleading and dangerous, asserting that the ADF operates far from its borders. Tensions between the UK and Rwanda have heightened, particularly following sanctions related to alleged Rwandan support for the M23 rebellion in eastern DRC.
The Rwandan government has summoned Alison Thorpe, the United Kingdom’s High Commissioner to Kigali, in response to comments made by UK Minister for Africa, Lord Collins of Highbury, during a parliamentary session. These remarks linked Rwanda to the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a terrorist group with ties to ISIS/Daesh operating in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, which Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned as “false, insulting, and dangerous.”
In his February 26 address, Lord Collins claimed that Rwanda’s Foreign Minister had denied the allegations regarding an ADF attack in the DRC. However, the Rwandan government refuted this assertion, stating that the ADF was never referenced in their discussions held in Geneva. Kigali emphasized that the ADF operates far from Rwanda’s borders and firmly rejected any implications of involvement.
Rwanda highlighted its proactive role in counterterrorism, engaging alongside Mozambican troops in Cabo Delgado to combat ISIS-affiliated militants. The Rwandan government has labeled Lord Collins’ comments as “dangerous and irresponsible,” accusing him of misleading the public and contributing to DRC propaganda, which jeopardizes African-led peace initiatives.
As diplomatic tensions escalate between Rwanda and the UK, recent UK sanctions against Rwanda for alleged support of the M23 rebellion in eastern DRC have also contributed to the strained relations. The UK has imposed restrictions on individuals associated with these allegations, suspended military cooperation, and urged Rwanda to support regional peace efforts, which Kigali strongly disputes.
Although Lord Collins privately acknowledged his mistaken comments and plans to correct his statement to the House of Lords, Rwanda considers this gesture insufficient. The Rwandan authorities have formally requested a public retraction and an official apology from the UK government to avert further dissemination of misinformation, highlighting the growing divide between Rwanda and Western nations regarding the eastern DRC conflict.
In summary, the Rwandan government has formally protested against UK Minister Lord Collins’ comments linking Rwanda to a terrorist group. The dispute points to escalating diplomatic tensions between Rwanda and the UK, particularly concerning the conflict in eastern DRC. Rwanda’s emphasis on its counterterrorism efforts and insistence on a public correction against perceived misinformation reflect the complexities in the region’s security dynamics and diplomatic relations.
Original Source: chimpreports.com
