The DRC’s Foreign Minister accuses Rwanda of illegal occupation and attempts at regime change following M23’s capture of Goma. Rwanda denies these allegations, stating its troops aim to prevent conflict spillover. SADC is meeting to address the situation, while calls for sanctions against Rwanda’s leadership increase amid rising violence and troop casualties.
The Foreign Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, asserted in a recent BBC interview that Rwanda is illegally occupying parts of the DRC and aiming for regime change. Her statements were made in the context of Rwanda-backed M23 rebels taking control of Goma, indicating a continued threat towards the DRC’s capital, Kinshasa. Ms. Wagner noted that Rwanda’s actions reflect a persistent culture of impunity surrounding its President, Paul Kagame.
In response to the allegations, Rwanda’s government spokeswoman, Yolande Makolo, countered that Rwandan troops are deployed solely to prevent the conflict from spilling into Rwanda. She emphasized that Rwanda has no interest in war, annexation, or altering the DRC’s regime. The Southern African Development Community (SADC) recently convened to address the situation, sending peacekeeping forces to stabilize the area after years of turmoil.
The current strife has resulted in the loss of sixteen SADC soldiers in confrontations with the M23 around Goma. President Kagame publicly criticized SADC’s peacekeeping efforts, arguing their presence is unwarranted and unproductive. Simultaneously, Ms. Makolo insisted that securing Rwanda’s borders is essential due to ongoing cross-border assaults.
Minister Wagner called for international measures against Rwanda, including halting foreign aid and imposing sanctions on its leadership linked to the ongoing conflicts. She further urged the suspension of Rwandan troops from United Nations peacekeeping operations, pointing to a contradiction between Rwanda’s self-presentation as a peacekeeping nation and its regional military activities.
The tensions between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo stem from historical conflicts and accusations of Rwandan interference in the DRC’s affairs. The M23 rebel group, supported by Rwanda, has been involved in various skirmishes, exacerbating the already fragile security situation in the eastern DRC. Numerous international organizations, including the UN, monitor the region due to its vast mineral wealth and prolonged unrest that have led to humanitarian crises.
The conflict in the DRC highlights ongoing regional power struggles, with accusations of illegal occupation and attempts at regime change complicating peace efforts. As the situation develops, the international community’s response, particularly in imposing sanctions and halting aid to Rwanda, may play a critical role in addressing the instability. Continued monitoring and intervention may be necessary to restore peace in the mineral-rich region.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
