Tensions Escalate as Kagame Downplays Rwandan Involvement in DRC Conflict
Rwandan President, Paul Kagame has expressed uncertainty about the presence of Rwandan troops in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) amidst a spiraling conflict involving the M23 armed group. As fighting escalates, more than 900 fatalities have been reported in Goma fueled by the violent clashes between M23 and Congolese forces.
Kagame, a commander-in-chief of the Rwandan Defence Forces, stated, “I don’t know” when asked about Rwandan troop involvement and further emphasized, “There are many things I don’t know.” However, he acknowledged that the situation in Congo poses concerns for Rwanda, asserting, “If you want to ask me, is there a problem in Congo that concerns Rwanda?… I’d say 100%.”
This statement comes amid accusations from the international community suggesting that Rwanda is providing support to the M23 rebels who claim to have captured Goma just last week. According to UN assessments, as many as 4,000 Rwandan soldiers may be assisting the M23, significantly outnumbering the rebel group itself.
M23 spokesperson Victor Tesongo refuted claims of Rwandan support labeling such assertions as a “manipulation of public opinion” and claiming that Rwanda is focused on combating the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) which he alleges poses a security threat to Rwanda by teaming up with the Congolese government.
DRC Communications Minister, Patrick Muyaya countered Kagame’s denial citing numerous confirmations of Rwanda’s military presence by UN officials and regional leaders. “Kagame is the only voice denying this,” he remarked, reflecting the widespread consensus on the matter.
When confronted with comparisons to Russian President Vladimir Putin who has been accused of backing separatist forces in Ukraine, Kagame stated, “There will be so many stories,” and added, “I may be called anything – what can I do about it?” He reiterated Rwanda’s commitment to protect itself from external threats, stating, “Nobody… is going to do it for us.”
The conflict has resulted in significant violence with reports indicating at least 16 casualties in Rwanda due to shelling from the ongoing fighting in Goma. DRC President Félix Tshisekedi has vowed a “vigorous and coordinated response” against the M23 describing the group as Rwanda’s “puppet” in the conflict.
As the M23 vows to expand its control beyond Goma and into other territories including the South Kivu province and even Kinshasa, tensions remain high in a region already fraught with instability. The potential repercussions of this continuing conflict threaten to further destabilize both nations and the surrounding areas.
