DR Congo’s Foreign Minister accuses Rwanda of illegal occupation and regime change, following the capture of Goma by the M23 rebels. Rwanda denies these claims, asserting its troops are securing borders. The Southern African Development Community is addressing the situation and has sent peacekeeping forces to the region. Calls for sanctions against Rwanda and the suspension of its troops from UN missions have emerged.
The Democratic Republic of Congo’s Foreign Minister, Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, has accused Rwanda of illegally occupying parts of the DRC and attempting regime change. This statement follows the capture of Goma by the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels, who threaten further advances toward the Congolese capital, Kinshasa. Wagner criticized the absence of accountability for Rwandan President Paul Kagame regarding international law violations.
In response to these allegations, Rwanda’s government spokeswoman Yolande Makolo refuted the claims, asserting that its military presence in DRC is to prevent the conflict from spreading into Rwanda. Makolo emphasized their lack of interest in war, annexation, or regime change, believing instead that DRC should take responsibility for securing its territory.
The Southern African Development Community (Sadc) is convening a special meeting in Zimbabwe to address the ongoing crisis in the DRC and has deployed peacekeeping troops, mainly from South Africa, to combat the M23 group. Recently, 16 Sadc soldiers lost their lives in encounters with these rebels near Goma.
During a tense exchange with South African leadership, President Kagame described the Sadc deployment as inappropriate for the situation, arguing that its forces do not serve as genuine peacekeepers. Makolo reiterated the necessity of securing Rwanda’s borders from cross-border attacks that have resulted in fatalities.
Minister Wagner called for the cessation of foreign aid to Rwanda and suggested sanctions against its leaders who perpetuate warfare. Furthermore, she advocated for the suspension of Rwandan troops from United Nations peacekeeping missions, arguing that a country promoting peace in other nations cannot simultaneously act as an aggressor in the Great Lakes region.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has been grappling with instability and foreign interventions, particularly by Rwanda. The capture of Goma by M23 rebels, believed to be backed by Rwanda, raises concerns regarding sovereignty and security in the region. Various regional organizations, including the Southern African Development Community, have sought to mediate and restore peace amidst ongoing conflict, which has persisted for decades in this mineral-rich area.
The accusations of illegal occupation by Rwanda highlight the complex geopolitical dynamics in the DRC, exacerbated by internal strife and external interventions. As regional discussions continue, the situation remains precarious, emphasizing the urgent need for accountability, peace efforts, and the reevaluation of military involvement in the conflict. Both Rwanda and the DRC must address these issues collaboratively to ensure lasting stability in the region.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
