Rwanda’s Foreign Affairs Minister Discusses DR Congo Crisis with EU Envoy

Gen (Rtd) James Kabarebe, Rwanda’s Foreign Affairs Minister, met with EU Special Envoy Johan Borgstam to discuss the DR Congo crisis, stating it should not be compared to Ukraine. He outlined the various internal and external factors contributing to the conflict and emphasized Rwanda’s security concerns, while criticizing the EU’s foreign policy influenced by domestic politics. Kabarebe urged more constructive EU engagement in regional peace efforts.

On February 27, Gen (Rtd) James Kabarebe, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in Charge of Regional Cooperation, engaged in a significant discussion with Johan Borgstam, the European Union Special Envoy for the Great Lakes region, during Mr. Borgstam’s visit to Kigali. They addressed the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), emphasizing the complexities involved and rejecting comparisons to the Ukraine crisis as politically motivated distractions.

During their conversation, Kabarebe emphasized the need to contextualize the conflict in eastern DR Congo, which he argued is influenced by the government’s internal struggles, the existence of numerous armed groups, and the specific threat posed by the FDLR, a militia blamed for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. He highlighted the historical issues affecting the region and called on EU member states to recognize these complexities rather than drawing simplistic parallels that could mislead international understanding.

Kabarebe warned of the existential threats faced by Rwanda stemming from DR Congo’s instability, citing the collaboration between various armed entities, including foreign forces. He asserted that Rwanda seeks security guarantees, including the withdrawal of foreign troops from its borders and the ultimate neutralization of the FDLR, underlining the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity as applicable to both nations.

Kabarebe expressed concern over the influence of domestic EU politics on foreign policy, arguing that punitive measures imposed on Rwanda would hinder African-led peace initiatives rather than resolving the underlying issues. He criticized the DR Congo for using calls for sanctions against Rwanda as a misleading tactic to divert attention from its governance failures and human rights abuses, urging a more constructive approach from EU member states towards regional peace efforts.

In summary, the discussion between Gen Kabarebe and EU envoy Johan Borgstam underscored the complexities of the conflict in DR Congo and the risks posed to regional stability, particularly for Rwanda. Kabarebe’s insistence on security guarantees and addressing the threat from the FDLR reflects the urgent need for a focused and informed approach to peace in the Great Lakes region. He reiterated that comparisons to conflicts such as Ukraine are not only inappropriate but also counterproductive.

Original Source: www.newtimes.co.rw