DR Congo Denies Staged Handover of Alleged Hutu Rebels to Rwanda
The DR Congo’s military has denied claims regarding the capture of twenty alleged Hutu rebels, labeling a handover video as fake. This follows the M23 group’s statement that they had captured fighters from the FDLR, a militia involved in the Rwandan genocide. The Congolese military accused Rwanda of using this incident to justify territorial aggression and cited potential war crimes committed by Rwandan forces.
The Democratic Republic of Congo’s military refuted claims that it captured twenty individuals affiliated with the Rwandan genocide, branding a video of their purported handover to Rwanda as fabricated. This statement follows assertions made by the Rwanda-backed M23 armed group, which claimed responsibility for apprehending members of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), formed by ethnic Hutus involved in the 1994 genocide against Tutsis.
The M23 has benefited from Rwandan support, capturing significant territories, including key provincial capitals like Goma and Bukavu. In the released video, M23 forces displayed the handover of the alleged FDLR fighters at a border checkpoint. However, Congolese army leaders denounced this event, stating, “This is a faked incident in poor taste orchestrated with the sole aim of discrediting our army,” attributing it to Rwandan tactics to rationalize territorial incursions.
Furthermore, the Congolese military accused Rwandan forces of committing war crimes, specifically citing “summary executions” of injured personnel at a Goma field hospital. This situation has escalated concerns regarding the potential for a broader regional conflict involving Rwanda, Uganda, and neighboring countries.
The situation in eastern DRC remains tense, with significant implications for regional stability. The Congolese military’s denial of the handover of alleged FDLR fighters, alongside accusations against Rwanda for war crimes, adds complexity to the ongoing conflict. As the M23 continues to advance with Rwandan backing, the potential for escalation into a regional war is a pressing concern.
Original Source: jordantimes.com
