Gen (Rtd) James Kabarebe met EU Special Envoy Johan Borgstam to discuss the DR Congo conflict, asserting it differs from the Ukraine crisis. He highlighted Rwanda’s security concerns due to the instability in DR Congo and criticized the influence of domestic EU politics on foreign policy. Kabarebe urged for EU support in peace efforts and cautioned against misleading sanctions imposed on Rwanda.
On February 27, 2023, Gen (Rtd) James Kabarebe, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in Charge of Regional Cooperation, engaged in a significant dialogue with Johan Borgstam, the European Union (EU) Special Envoy for the Great Lakes region, during his visit to Kigali. The discussions centered on the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), specifically addressing the tensions between the government coalition and the AFC/M23 rebels.
Gen Kabarebe emphasized that the conflict in DR Congo is fundamentally different from the situation in Ukraine, asserting that any comparative analysis would be politically driven and a distraction from pressing issues like the actions of the FDLR genocidal militia. He outlined the historical context of insecurity in eastern DR Congo, focusing on the Congolese government’s internal strife and the presence of over 200 armed groups, which contribute to regional instability.
The statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlighted significant concerns about the persecution of Congolese Tutsi communities, alongside the heightened threats posed by the FDLR, a group sanctioned by the UN and the US due to its involvement in the 1994 Rwandan Genocide. Kabarebe articulated that these elements should not be overlooked in dialogues concerning the crisis.
The Minister articulated Rwanda’s perspective, noting that the country faces existential threats from the instability in DR Congo, exacerbated by the coalition of various forces including the Congolese armed forces, FDLR, and ethnic militias. He insisted on the necessity of security guarantees for Rwanda, advocating for the resolution of the M23 situation and the neutralization of the FDLR, urging that principles of sovereignty should be equally upheld for Rwanda.
He expressed concern that domestic politics within the EU had begun to influence foreign policy decisions, suggesting that punitive actions against targeted nations fail to resolve issues and potentially hinder African-led peace initiatives. Kabarebe argued that DR Congo’s calls for sanctions against Rwanda were misleading, attempting to distract from its governance challenges and human rights abuses.
In conclusion, Gen Kabarebe called upon EU member states to actively engage in regional peace efforts, urging that political agendas should not overshadow the critical matters of peace and security in the region. He underscored the importance of addressing the root causes of the conflict in DR Congo rather than applying sanctions that may further complicate the crisis.
In summary, Gen (Rtd) James Kabarebe articulated the distinct nature of the DR Congo conflict compared to that of Ukraine, stressing the significance of understanding its historical context. He highlighted Rwanda’s security concerns and called for genuine support from the EU in promoting peace. The dialogue emphasized the importance of addressing governance failures in DR Congo and the need for collaborative efforts towards regional stability without politically motivated actions undermining peace initiatives.
Original Source: www.newtimes.co.rw
