EU Official Confronted Over Rwanda’s Alleged Support for M23 Rebels in DR Congo
Peter Fahrenholtz, former German ambassador, challenges EU’s Kaja Kallas regarding accusations against Rwanda’s support for M23 rebels in DR Congo. He emphasizes the need to address the grievances of Congolese Tutsi and questions the role of European mercenaries employed by DR Congo. Rwandan Minister Nduhungirehe stresses the importance of recognizing Rwanda’s security concerns amid the ongoing conflict.
In a recent debate regarding the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), Peter Fahrenholtz, a veteran German diplomat, challenged European Union official Kaja Kallas on allegations of Rwandan support for the M23 rebel group. Fahrenholtz, who served as the German ambassador to Rwanda from 2012 to 2016, emphasized that the grievances of the M23 rebels and the persecution of Congolese Tutsi have not received adequate attention.
Kallas remarked, “M23/Rwanda must respect DRC territorial integrity, stop advances and withdraw from occupied territory,” implying that the M23 rebels are not Congolese. Fahrenholtz countered by questioning if M23 members are not Congolese citizens and raised concerns about the employment of European mercenaries by DR Congo against them. He urged, “Who will protect ethnic minorities in eastern DRC?”
The M23 group is part of the Alliance Fleuve Congo, advocating for the rights of the Congolese Tutsi community, which has faced ongoing persecution. In the conflict against M23, approximately 2,000 Eastern European mercenaries were deployed alongside the Congolese army, which cooperates with Burundian troops and various local armed groups.
During discussions on March 10, Kallas and Rwanda’s Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe addressed the allegations against Rwanda. Nduhungirehe asserted that Rwanda has legitimate security concerns regarding the Congolese army’s collaboration with the FDLR militia, known for its connection to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. He stated, “Rwanda’s national security concerns have long been ignored or dismissed, despite the existential threat from the DRC-based/supported FDLR genocidal militia.”
Nduhungirehe highlighted that attributing the crisis solely to Rwanda would not resolve the situation, stating, “The unhelpful misreading of the eastern DR Congo crisis and the one-sided measures against Rwanda will not lead to a solution.”
The ongoing conflict in Eastern DR Congo has seen significant involvement from various stakeholders, raising crucial questions about national sovereignty and the role of foreign mercenaries. Former diplomat Peter Fahrenholtz’s comments underscore the complexity of the situation, particularly regarding the treatment of ethnic minorities and the accusations directed toward Rwanda. As discussions continue, it remains vital for all parties to address the underlying grievances rather than attributing blame to ensure a path toward resolution.
Original Source: www.newtimes.co.rw
