Kagame Uncertain of Rwandan Troops’ Role in DRC Amid Escalating Violence

Rwandan President Paul Kagame stated uncertainty over Rwandan troop presence in the DRC amid escalating violence which has claimed over 900 lives. International bodies suspect Rwanda supports the M23 rebels, while Kagame insists on Rwanda’s right to protect itself from perceived threats, particularly from the FDLR. DRC officials denounce Rwanda’s involvement, escalating tensions between both nations.

Rwandan President Paul Kagame recently expressed uncertainty regarding the presence of Rwandan troops in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where ongoing violence has resulted in over 900 deaths. During a CNN interview this past Monday, Kagame stated, “I don’t know,” in response to whether his country’s forces were operating in DRC despite his position as commander-in-chief of the Rwandan Defence Force.

The situation is severe in eastern DRC as the M23 armed group continues to battle Congolese forces, reportedly claiming control of Goma last week. Various international observers suspect that Rwanda supports the M23, with United Nations experts estimating that up to 4,000 Rwandan soldiers may be aiding rebel combatants in the region, surpassing the number of local fighters.

Kagame acknowledged the regional crisis, asserting, “There are many things I don’t know. But if you want to ask me, is there a problem in Congo that concerns Rwanda? … I’d say 100%,” highlighting Rwanda’s obligation to protect itself from external threats. Additionally, the UN has confirmed that at least 900 bodies have been recovered in Goma since the recent outbreak of violence, reflecting the gravity of the situation.

In contrast to Kagame’s ambiguous stance, M23 spokesperson Victor Tesongo outright denied that the group receives any support from Rwanda, suggesting that claims to the contrary are part of a strategic attempt to influence public opinion. He contended Rwanda’s primary concern centers around the domestic threat posed by the FDLR—a group aligned with the Congolese government.

DRC’s communications minister, Patrick Muyaya, took a more definitive approach, citing wide agreement on Rwanda’s military involvement in the country. “In the past 10 days, … all confirmed Rwanda’s military presence,” he stated, indicating that Kagame’s remarks contradict a broad international consensus.

During the interview, Kagame faced comparisons to Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has backed separatist movements in Ukraine. In response to these comparisons, Kagame simply remarked that “there will be so many stories” and underscored the need for Rwanda to focus on its own survival rather than public perceptions.

Labeling the FDLR as an “existential threat” to Rwanda, Kagame accused that group of being embedded within the Congolese military. He emphasized that Rwanda would pursue whatever actions necessary to defend its interests. “Nobody, including the United Nations or the international community, is going to do it for us,” he remarked, reinforcing a message of self-reliance amid escalating tensions.

Kagame reiterated his commitment to national security when asked about troop deployments to DRC, snapping back with an insistence to interpret his words as one will. Meanwhile, as clashes have spread, Rwandan government spokesperson Yolande Makolo noted that shelling from DRC’s fighting had claimed 16 lives on Rwandan soil.

In a decisive response, DRC President Felix Tshisekedi pledged to mount a “vigorous and coordinated response” against the M23 faction, referring to them as a “puppet” of Rwanda. The M23, on the other hand, has declared intentions to secure Goma and advance further into the DRC, even suggesting plans to capture the capital city of Kinshasa. “The objective remains to overthrow Tshisekedi and to install a new leadership,” Tesongo asserted, hinting at an expanded vision beyond mere territorial control.

In summary, the conflict between Rwanda and the DRC continues to escalate, marked by Kagame’s unsettling remarks regarding troop presence and the growing toll of violence in eastern DRC. This delicate situation not only reflects Rwanda’s concerns about its own defense against groups like the FDLR but also highlights the regional implications of military actions as the international community closely monitors developments. As both sides maintain their narratives, the future remains fraught with uncertainty for the DRC and its neighbors.

Original Source: www.cnn.com