DR Congo Denies Handover of 20 Alleged Hutu Rebels was Authentic

The DRC military has denied the authenticity of a video showing a handover of 20 alleged FDLR fighters to Rwanda, deeming it staged. Tensions arise as the M23, backed by Rwanda, continues to seize control over territories in eastern DRC. The DRC’s military also accused Rwanda of war crimes, escalating fears of a wider conflict in the region.

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has contested the claims made by the M23 movement regarding the capture of 20 fighters associated with the Rwandan genocide. The Congolese military characterized a video demonstrating the handover of these fighters to Rwanda as “faked,” suggesting it was an attempt to tarnish the reputation of their armed forces. This response follows a statement from the M23, which stated they had apprehended members of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a militia comprised of Hutus involved in the 1994 genocide.

Rwanda has consistently cited the alleged presence of the FDLR in eastern DRC to rationalize its support for the M23 group. Utilizing external backing from Rwanda, the M23 has successfully captured extensive territories in the DRC’s eastern region, including significant urban centers such as Goma and Bukavu. Following the video’s release, the Congolese military dismissed the incident as a poorly orchestrated ruse, alleging that it was a deliberate provocation intended to distract from Rwanda’s aggressive activities.

Additionally, the DRC military leadership accused the Rwandan army of committing war crimes, specifically citing unlawful executions of wounded soldiers within Goma’s field hospitals. This allegation has intensified concerns regarding the deteriorating security situation in eastern DRC, raising the prospect of a broader conflict that could encompass neighboring nations such as Rwanda and Uganda.

In summary, the DRC has rejected claims regarding the capture of alleged FDLR fighters, labeling the handover as an orchestrated fabrication by Rwanda. This incident marks a significant point of contention amid escalating military confrontations in eastern DRC, where Rwanda’s involvement raises fears of further regional instability. The accusations of war crimes against the Rwandan army further complicate the already volatile situation.

Original Source: jordantimes.com