Rwandan President Paul Kagame recently commented that Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi should not lead Congo, prompting controversy amid ongoing conflict in eastern DRC. The M23 armed group, backed by Rwanda, has taken significant territory, including the city of Goma. Kagame maintains that Rwanda’s involvement is defensive, while international authorities signal impending justice for those participating in military actions in Congo.
In a recent diplomatic exchange, Rwandan President Paul Kagame criticized his Congolese counterpart, President Felix Tshisekedi, stating that Tshisekedi should not be the leader of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This remark was made during an interview with social media influencer Mario Nawfal, where Kagame stated, “I would tell him I wish he wasn’t president of that good country.”
The relationship between Rwanda and DRC is strained, with ongoing conflict in eastern Congo resulting in numerous fatalities. The Rwandan-backed M23 armed group has seized significant territory within the mineral-rich eastern DRC, following a swift offensive against the Congolese army that began in December 2024.
The M23 group’s control escalated in January 2025 when it captured Goma, the largest city in Eastern Congo. Following this victory, they announced ambitions to take Kinshasa, the national capital located over 2,000 kilometers away, making swift territorial gains.
This conflict represents a significant escalation in a long-standing struggle that can be traced back to the 1994 Rwandan genocide and the competition for Congo’s mineral resources. The United Nations has reported that more than 4,000 Rwandan troops are operating alongside M23 forces in the DRC.
In his interview, Kagame characterized Rwanda’s position as defensive. He stated, “Rwanda has taken defensive measures,” and when questioned about the presence of Rwandan troops in the DRC, he intriguingly responded, “I don’t know,” while implying acknowledgment of the presence by saying, “Why would somebody be asking me that question when he knows the truth?” Additionally, Karim Khan, the Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, warned that any military force or warlord active in Congo will face justice.
The ongoing tensions between Rwanda and the DRC are underscored by hostile remarks from President Kagame regarding President Tshisekedi’s leadership. The situation in eastern Congo remains dire, with the M23 group making territorial gains amid allegations of Rwandan troop involvement. As the conflict escalates, international scrutiny, including warnings from the ICC, could have ramifications for those involved in the unrest.
Original Source: chimpreports.com