Rwanda Summons UK Envoy Over Controversial Remarks Linking to ADF

Rwanda summoned UK High Commissioner Alison Thorpe after comments by Lord Collins linked Rwanda to the ADF terrorism group. Rwanda denounced the remarks as false and rejected any connection to the ADF. There are ongoing tensions between Rwanda and the UK, particularly over accusations related to the M23 rebellion in eastern DRC, complicating peace efforts in the region.

The Rwandan government has summoned High Commissioner Alison Thorpe of the United Kingdom following controversial remarks made by UK Minister for Africa, Lord Collins of Highbury, in the House of Lords. His statements linked Rwanda to the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a terrorist group affiliated with ISIS operating in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda. Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned these remarks as “false, insulting, and dangerous.”

During a parliamentary session on February 26, Lord Collins claimed that Rwanda’s Foreign Minister had denied the accusations related to an ADF attack in the DRC. However, the Rwandan government has categorically rejected this assertion, stating that the ADF was not even mentioned in their discussions in Geneva. Rwanda emphasized that the ADF operates far from its borders and has no involvement with the group.

Rwanda has undertaken counterterrorism operations against extremist threats in Cabo Delgado, Mozambique, where Rwandan forces are collaborating with Mozambican troops against ISIS-linked militants. The comments by Lord Collins were described as “dangerous and irresponsible,” and Rwanda accused him of misleading the public, promoting DRC propaganda, and undermining African-led peace efforts.

The diplomatic tensions arise amid other recent disputes between Rwanda and the UK, particularly concerning accusations of Rwandan support for the M23 rebellion in eastern DRC. The UK has implemented targeted sanctions on individuals and entities associated with Rwanda’s alleged involvement in this conflict, suspended military cooperation, and increased diplomatic pressure for Rwanda to disengage from M23 activities.

Rwanda has firmly rejected these allegations, asserting that its actions are in self-defense against security threats from hostile groups like the FDLR. Although Lord Collins privately acknowledged the error in his statements to Rwanda’s Foreign Minister and committed to correcting it, Rwanda has deemed this response insufficient. Kigali has formally requested a public correction and an official apology from the UK government to combat misinformation.

This ongoing controversy highlights the increasing rift between Rwanda and Western nations regarding the conflict in eastern DRC, showcasing the complexities of international relations in the region.

In summary, Rwanda has formally protested against statements made by UK Minister Lord Collins, rejecting assertions linking the nation to the ADF. The ongoing tensions between Rwanda and the UK emphasize the challenges posed by disinformation and the complexities surrounding peace efforts in the Great Lakes region. Rwanda is calling for a public correction from the UK to address these serious diplomatic concerns.

Original Source: chimpreports.com