The DRC has accused Rwanda of staging a video of alleged rebel captures linked to the 1994 genocide. This accusation arises amid M23 rebel advancements in eastern DRC, resulting in significant displacement and humanitarian concerns. Tensions escalate further as both nations exchange blame while external calls for ceasefire are made to mitigate the crisis.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has accused Rwanda of staging a video that purportedly shows the capture of fighters connected to a militia involved in the 1994 Rwandan genocide. The claim follows reports from the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels, who assert they captured members of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), an armed group formed by Hutus who fled after the genocide.
DRC’s military described the video showcasing the alleged handover of 20 FDLR prisoners as “faked,” asserting the captured individuals were actually old FDLR detainees dressed in new military uniforms. The DRC military emphasized this was a ploy by Rwanda to undermine its credibility and justify interventions in DRC territory amidst ongoing violence attributed to M23’s advances since January.
The conflict in eastern DRC has escalated, with the UN estimating that nearly 500,000 people have been displaced due to violence from the M23 rebels, who have monopolized parts of the region, including Bukavu and Goma. UN experts have previously assessed the presence of 3,000 to 4,000 Rwandan troops in eastern DRC, indicating a complex interplay between multiple armed groups, including the FDLR as proxies against M23.
President Kagame of Rwanda perceives the FDLR as a significant threat, reflecting the ongoing legacy of the genocide that claimed around 800,000 lives in just 100 days in 1994. In the midst of recent tensions, chaotic scenes erupted during a rally in Bukavu, with reports of explosions and casualties as the M23 rebels continue to exert pressure on DRC governance.
President Felix Tshisekedi has accused foreign forces of complicity during the outbreak of violence, while the African Union and the UN have called for a ceasefire in hopes of de-escalating the situation. This dynamic, emerging from historical grievances and armed conflicts, continues to impact the lives of countless civilians caught in the crossfire.
In summary, the DRC has vehemently accused Rwanda of fabricating evidence of capturing genocide-linked fighters to mislead and discredit the Congolese military. As tensions rise with the M23 rebels asserting control over key areas in eastern DRC, both the DRC government and the international community are calling for urgent measures to restore stability and address the humanitarian crisis stemming from ongoing violence.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
