Rwanda Reaffirms Commitment to Luanda Agreements Amid Regional Security Concerns
Ambassador Nduhungirehe reaffirmed Rwanda’s commitment to the Luanda peace agreements aimed at enhancing regional security and addressing tensions with the DRC. He rejected claims of troop deployments to support rebels, emphasizing the need for direct discussions regarding the M23 crisis and the historical marginalization of the Tutsi community. His comments reflect Rwanda’s stance on defending itself against security threats while advocating for peace through dialogue.
Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe, the Rwandan Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, emphasized Rwanda’s commitment to the Luanda peace process aimed at resolving diplomatic tensions with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). In a recent interview, he dismissed allegations of Rwandan troop deployment to support the M23 rebel group in eastern DRC. He reiterated that Rwanda is committed to a harmonized plan for neutralizing the FDLR militia and improving border security, as outlined in the Luanda agreements, and stated, “We are bound by what we say and we signed in Luanda.” Nduhungirehe highlighted that there is no agreement regarding the withdrawal of Rwandan troops as misreported by Congolese officials. “There is nothing in any of our outcome documents about withdrawing 4,000 troops… That was not discussed or agreed upon,” he clarified. He noted that Rwandan troop presence is a necessary defensive measure against security threats posed by the FDLR, which he described as a direct response to ongoing hostilities. The Minister also addressed the underlying issues contributing to the M23 crisis, pointing to the historical marginalization of the Tutsi community in eastern DRC. Nduhungirehe advocated for direct negotiations between DRC authorities and the M23 to address these longstanding grievances. Furthermore, he reiterated Rwanda’s right to take legitimate actions to safeguard national security, emphasizing the seriousness of threats from DRC’s government against Rwanda. In conclusion, Nduhungirehe reaffirmed Rwanda’s commitment to regional peace and stability through adherence to the Luanda agreements, while also asserting Rwanda’s entitlement to defend itself against any threats posed by armed groups supported by the DRC government. The ongoing dialogue is essential to foster a sustainable resolution to the complexities surrounding the security dynamics in the region.
The Luanda peace process was initiated in mid-2022, backed by the African Union, to address escalating tensions between Rwanda and the DRC prompted by a conflict involving the Congolese army and M23 rebels. Haiti’s history is marked by deep-rooted issues involving ethnic tensions and the ramifications of the 1994 Rwandan genocide, where the FDLR has become a focal point of security concerns for both Rwanda and the larger Great Lakes Region. This complex backdrop necessitates ongoing dialogue and cooperative strategies to resolve issues arising from insecurity and ethnic strife.
Ambassador Nduhungirehe’s statements underscore Rwanda’s dedication to the peace agreements established in Luanda while asserting its right to defend against threats from armed groups linked to the DRC. He highlighted the necessity of engaging in discussions to resolve the underlying causes of violence, particularly the plight of the marginalized Congolese Tutsi community. The path towards achieving lasting peace in the region lies in transparent dialogue and collaborative efforts to ensure security for all parties involved.
Original Source: www.newtimes.co.rw
