DR Congo Must Sever Ties with FDLR for Lasting Regional Peace

Wellars Gasamagera, Secretary General of the Rwandan Patriotic Front, has called for the Democratic Republic of Congo to sever ties with the FDLR militia and abandon plans to attack Rwanda. He emphasized the need for dialogue to resolve conflicts with M23 rebels while criticizing the Congolese leadership and international sanctions against Rwanda as ineffective. Gasamagera noted that the crisis stems from internal governance issues rather than external accusations.

Wellars Gasamagera, Secretary General of the ruling Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF-Inkotanyi), has urged the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) to cut ties with the FDLR militia, deemed a threat to Rwanda’s security. During a meeting on February 25, 2023, he emphasized that continued collaboration with this UN-sanctioned group exacerbates the ongoing crisis, particularly as violence escalated with the M23 rebels capturing Goma in January.

Gasamagera voiced his apprehension regarding the statements made by Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi, indicating intentions to attack Rwanda. He asserted, “Congo must abandon its plan to overthrow Rwanda’s leadership, which was democratically elected by its citizens,” highlighting that collaborative efforts with the FDLR are counterproductive to achieving peace in the region.

He articulated that the conflict with the M23 rebels requires resolution through negotiations addressing the core issues and grievances of the rebels. “True peace comes through dialogue and peaceful efforts,” he stated, underscoring the necessity for all political factions and Rwandans to unify in support of President Paul Kagame’s commitment to regional security.

The FDLR, formed by survivors of the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi, has a history of targeting Congolese Tutsi communities and launching cross-border attacks on Rwanda. Gasamagera criticized the Congolese government and the international community for misrepresenting the crisis origins, asserting that its roots lie in ethnic violence and poor governance within DR Congo, rather than external influences.

The RPF leader also addressed the sanctions imposed on Rwanda for alleged support of M23 rebels, terming them as ineffective and counterproductive, stating, “Sanctions have not solved anything. Instead, they embolden the DR Congo to continue avoiding responsibility for its own governance failures.” He called for a proper understanding of the crisis, away from materialistic narratives focusing on natural resources.

In summary, Wellars Gasamagera, Secretary General of the Rwandan Patriotic Front, emphasized the importance of DR Congo’s separation from the FDLR militia to foster peace. He condemned the Congolese government’s aggressive stance against Rwanda, calling for dialogue to address conflicts rooted in governance failures rather than external narratives. Furthermore, he criticized international sanctions against Rwanda, promoting a unified approach towards regional security.

Original Source: www.newtimes.co.rw