DR Congo Denies Handover of Alleged Hutu Rebels, Labels Incident Staged
The DRC has denied that 20 alleged Hutu rebels were captured, claiming the handover video to Rwanda was staged. The Congolese military condemned this incident as part of Rwanda’s strategy to justify its military actions in eastern DRC. They further accused Rwanda of war crimes, raising concerns about the potential for regional conflict.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) officially refuted claims regarding the capture of 20 fighters associated with the Rwandan genocide, labeling a video depicting their handover to Rwanda as fabricated. This assertion emerged after the M23 armed group, supported by Rwanda, announced the capture of members of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a militia comprised largely of Hutus implicated in the 1994 genocide against Tutsis.
The video purportedly showing the handover of alleged FDLR fighters occurred at a border post in Goma, raising significant concerns. The DRC’s military leadership condemned the incident, describing it as a disingenuous act intended to undermine the integrity of the Congolese army. They further asserted that such actions are part of Rwanda’s broader strategy to rationalize its military actions within DRC territory.
The statement from DRC high command accused Rwanda of employing deceptive tactics, with officials claiming that the Rwandan authorities had manipulated old FDLR detainees, outfitting them in new military uniforms to misrepresent them as recently captured fighters. Moreover, the DRC military has charged the Rwandan army with committing war crimes, specifically citing alleged summary executions of injured soldiers in a Goma field hospital.
As the conflict in eastern DRC intensifies, there exists a palpable fear of a potential escalation into a wider regional conflict involving neighboring countries such as Rwanda and Uganda, given the complexities of the situation and the long-standing tensions in the region.
In summary, the DRC’s assertion about the fictitious nature of the handover of alleged FDLR fighters highlights the ongoing complexities and tensions regarding Rwanda’s involvement in eastern DRC. Accusations of manipulation and war crimes underscore the fragile security situation amidst growing fears of regional destabilization. As this conflict unfolds, close attention to the narratives and actions of the involved parties remains crucial.
Original Source: jordantimes.com
