DR Congo Accuses Rwanda of Illegal Occupation and Regime Change Attempts
Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, DR Congo’s Foreign Minister, accused Rwanda of illegal occupation and regime change attempts after M23 rebels captured Goma. Rwanda’s government denied the claims, asserting that its troops aimed to prevent conflict spillover. The Southern African Development Community is addressing the situation amidst ongoing clashes and casualties among peacekeepers. Wagner advocated for sanctions on Rwanda and the withdrawal of Rwandan troops from UN peace operations.
The Foreign Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, accused Rwanda of illegally occupying parts of DR Congo and attempting to instigate a regime change. Her statements followed the capture of Goma by the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels, amid a backdrop of long-standing impunity regarding violations by Rwandan President Paul Kagame.
Yolande Makolo, the spokesperson for the Rwandan government, refuted these allegations, stating that Rwandan forces were primarily present to prevent the conflict from escalating onto Rwandan soil. She emphasized Rwanda’s lack of interest in war and regime change, insisting that they were merely responding to ongoing security threats.
A special meeting convened by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) is set to address the DR Congo situation following recent clashes in which sixteen SADC peacekeepers have been killed. During this meeting, the role of SADC troops in managing armed groups like the M23, who pose significant threats to regional stability, will be examined.
President Kagame contested the notion that SADC’s involvement constituted legitimate peacekeeping operations, suggesting that the troops were not equipped to handle the ongoing crisis. Meanwhile, Ms. Makolo criticized DR Congo for inadequate territorial management, asserting that the responsibility lay largely with its government.
In light of these developments, Minister Wagner called for international reforms including the suspension of foreign aid to Rwanda and sanctions against its leadership. She also urged the removal of Rwandan troops from United Nations peacekeeping operations, expressing concern about the inconsistency between Rwanda’s image as a peace-promoting nation and its actions in the region.
The current tensions between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo stem from a long history of conflict and territorial disputes particularly involving regional armed groups like M23. Rwanda’s involvement in DR Congo has been contentious, marked by allegations of illegal occupation and support for rebel factions. The international community has been urged to scrutinize Rwanda’s role and the implications of its military activities, especially given the implications for regional stability and peace. The Southern African Development Community plays a vital role in peacekeeping in DR Congo, but its engagement has also led to fatalities among peacekeepers, raising concerns over the effectiveness of current strategies. As nations and regional bodies navigate these complicated dynamics, the need for accountability and intervention strategies continues to grow. Wagner’s comments and calls for sanctioning Rwanda reflect deepening frustrations over longstanding impunity regarding transgressions in the region. The international response to these issues will be critical in addressing both immediate security concerns and broader geopolitical stability in the Great Lakes region.
In summary, the accusations by Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner highlight serious concerns regarding Rwanda’s influence in DR Congo and its alleged violations of international law. The responses from Rwandan officials suggest a contentious and complex narrative surrounding the conflict, underlined by the involvement of regional bodies like SADC. Moving forward, calls for international accountability and reform are echoes of the pressing need to stabilize the region, restore peace, and prevent further escalation in violence.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
