Gen (Rtd) James Kabarebe met with EU Special Envoy Johan Borgstam to discuss the conflict in DR Congo, stating it is not comparable to Ukraine’s situation. He raised concerns about Rwanda’s sovereignty, the threats from the FDLR militia, and criticized the EU’s political influence on foreign policy. Kabarebe called for peaceful resolutions and urged that sanctions should not distract from DR Congo’s internal issues.
On February 27, 2023, Gen (Rtd) James Kabarebe, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in Charge of Regional Cooperation, met with Johan Borgstam, the European Union’s Special Envoy for the Great Lakes region. Their discussion centered on the conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo), where the government coalition is currently engaged with the AFC/M23 rebels. Kabarebe emphasized that the situation in DR Congo should not be likened to the conflict in Ukraine, as such comparisons detract from significant issues at hand, particularly the ongoing violence from the FDLR militia.
Kabarebe elaborated that the EU is aware of the complex history surrounding the insecurity in eastern DR Congo, which includes internal governmental issues, numerous armed groups, and longstanding persecution against Congolese Tutsi communities. He highlighted the potential dangers posed by the FDLR—an armed group associated with the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi—and underscored the direct responsibility that certain factions bear for current challenges.
He expressed concern regarding Rwanda’s sovereignty, noting persistent threats emerging from DR Congo. Kabarebe pointed out deployments of various armed forces, including the Congolese army and foreign militias, and reiterated Rwanda’s demand for comprehensive security guarantees. These include the withdrawal of external forces near national borders and the neutralization of the FDLR as crucial issues for Rwanda’s safety.
Kabarebe criticized the EU for allowing domestic politics to impact foreign policy decisions regarding the crisis, suggesting that punitive measures against Rwanda impede peace efforts. He urged the international community to recognize that sanctions should not be utilized as a means for DR Congo to disguise its own governance issues and corruption, which have exacerbated the conflict. Kabarebe concluded by advocating for EU member states to support regional peace processes without political bias.
In summary, Gen (Rtd) James Kabarebe’s discussions with the EU Special Envoy emphasized the distinct nature of the DR Congo crisis compared to the Ukrainian conflict. He raised concerns over Rwanda’s security and the influence of domestic politics on EU foreign policy. Kabarebe called for collaborative regional peace efforts, stressing that sanctions should not obfuscate underlying governance failures within DR Congo.
Original Source: www.newtimes.co.rw
