Wellars Gasamagera, Secretary General of the Rwandan Patriotic Front, emphasizes the necessity for DR Congo to sever ties with the FDLR militia and abandon plans to attack Rwanda to achieve lasting peace. He highlights misinterpretation of the conflict’s origins and critiques ineffective sanctions on Rwanda, advocating for negotiations to address the underlying issues of regional stability.
The Secretary General of the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF-Inkoyanyi), Wellars Gasamagera, has urged the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) to sever ties with the FDLR militia to attain lasting peace in the region. During a meeting on February 25, he highlighted how the FDLR poses a direct threat to Rwanda’s security, emphasizing the need for DR Congo to cease collaboration with this UN-sanctioned group that exacerbates current crises, particularly following the M23 rebels’ seizure of Goma.
Gasamagera also expressed concern over Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi’s intentions to launch an offensive against Rwanda. He stated, “Congo must abandon its plan to overthrow Rwanda’s leadership, which was democratically elected by its citizens.” He asserted that peace could not be established while the FDLR continues its operations in DR Congo.
Moreover, the Secretary General emphasized the necessity for negotiations to address the underlying causes of the M23 rebellion. He remarked, “True peace comes through dialogue and peaceful efforts,” underscoring the importance of communication in resolving the conflict. This forum gathered representatives from various Rwandan political parties, reinforcing collective efforts for regional stability.
Gasamagera commended President Paul Kagame for his unwavering dedication to peaceful security measures, urging all Rwandans to support these initiatives to safeguard national integrity. He highlighted the pressing need to respond effectively to the FDLR’s persistent threats, rooted in a legacy of the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi, which has since fueled violence against Congolese Tutsi communities.
In his critique of the Congolese government and the international community, Gasamagera claimed that the true origins of the crisis in DR Congo are often misrepresented. He noted, “The crisis in DR Congo is rooted in historical facts, ethnic violence, and failed governance” rather than being a result of Rwanda’s influence or external interventions. He remarked that the focus on resources and sovereignty is a diversion from addressing the underlying issues.
The imposition of sanctions on Rwanda was also addressed, with Gasamagera declaring them ineffective. He argued that such measures do not contribute to resolving the crisis but instead encourage DR Congo to evade responsibility for governance shortcomings. He affirmed that addressing internal issues is crucial for the stability of the region and for restoring peace and accountability.
In summary, Wellars Gasamagera has called on the DR Congo government to end its collaboration with the FDLR militia and abandon aggressive plans against Rwanda, promoting dialogue as the path to peace. He sheds light on the misrepresentation of the crisis’s origins and criticizes sanctions on Rwanda as counterproductive. This discourse emphasizes the need for understanding true local issues and unity among Rwandan political entities to ensure regional security.
Original Source: www.newtimes.co.rw
