DR Congo’s President Advocates for Countermeasures Against Rwanda…

Felix Tshisekedi, President of the DRC, called for countermeasures against Rwanda amid escalating tensions in eastern Congo. He pointed out Rwanda’s historical provocations and noted the dire humanitarian situation with millions displaced. Rwanda’s Defense Minister denied any benefit from instability in the DRC, while calls for dialogue were emphasized during the Munich Security Conference. The conflict has seen significant violence and displacement.

On March 16, 2023, Felix Tshisekedi, the President of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), expressed the need for countermeasures against Rwanda amidst escalating tensions in eastern Congo. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, Tshisekedi highlighted Rwanda’s persistent provocations over the years and emphasized the lack of appropriate responses to these actions. He noted that the ongoing conflict has resulted in over 7 million internally displaced individuals, underlining the urgency of addressing these issues to prevent further instability across the African continent.

During the discussion, Rwandan Defense Minister Juvenal Marizamunda responded to accusations regarding Rwanda’s influence in the DRC conflict. He asserted that Rwanda has suffered significant human, political, and economic repercussions due to the crisis and stated, “Rwanda has nothing to gain from an unstable DRC.” This underscores a desire for regional cooperation rather than confrontation, as it has devastating effects on all involved.

Moderator Christoph Heusgen interjected, urging both parties to engage in dialogue rather than escalating tensions further. He emphasized the importance of addressing conflicts through dialogue and suggested that they should seek to converse privately, potentially with assistance from the United Nations to find a peaceful resolution. He stressed that the situation should not devolve into mere declarations but requires constructive discussions.

Additionally, reports emerged that the M23 rebel group had taken control of Kavumu Airport, located near Bukavu, exacerbating the conflict situation. The ongoing clashes have led to more than 3,000 deaths and displacements of over 500,000 individuals since January. Kinshasa has accused Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebels, which Rwanda has consistently denied, maintaining that it does not intervene in DRC affairs.

The situation in eastern DRC continues to escalate, prompting President Felix Tshisekedi to call for decisive countermeasures against Rwanda. Both sides are urged to engage in meaningful dialogue to resolve the conflict peacefully. The humanitarian crisis is deepening, as illustrated by substantial casualties and displacements. It remains crucial for regional stability that diplomatic efforts are prioritized over military confrontations.

Original Source: www.aa.com.tr