Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, the foreign minister of the DRC, accused Rwanda of illegal occupation and regime change efforts following the capture of Goma by M23 rebels. Rwanda’s spokeswoman, Yolande Makolo, denied accusations of aggression, stating their troop presence is merely to secure borders. The Southern African Development Community (Sadc) is meeting to discuss the situation, amidst calls for sanctions against Rwanda’s leadership by Wagner.
Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, the foreign minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has accused Rwanda of illegal occupation and attempts at regime change within Congolese territory. This statement marks the culmination of a long history of unchecked aggression, as Wagner cited President Paul Kagame’s failures in adhering to international law. This assertion follows the capture of Goma by Rwanda-backed M23 rebels, who threaten to advance towards the DRC capital, Kinshasa.
In response to these allegations, Yolande Makolo, Rwanda’s government spokeswoman, refuted claims of military invasion, stating that Rwandan forces are only present to prevent the conflict from expanding into Rwanda. She emphasized that Rwanda has no intentions of annexing DRC or engaging in war, focusing instead on border security due to ongoing attacks.
The Southern African Development Community (Sadc), a regional alliance including 16 nations, convenes a special meeting to address the turmoil in the DRC. In this context, Sadc has deployed peacekeeping troops, mainly from South Africa, to restore stability in the area. Recent reports indicate that 16 Sadc soldiers have died in clashes with the M23 around Goma over the past week.
Rwanda’s President Kagame criticized the presence of Sadc troops, proclaiming they are not performing peacekeeping functions and have no valid role in the current crisis. Makolo reiterated Rwanda’s stance that the DRC must take responsibility for security within its borders, urging that the DRC improve its territorial management to prevent further conflicts.
In addition, Minister Wagner advocated for the cessation of foreign aid to Rwanda and the imposition of sanctions on leaders supporting the conflict. She emphasized the contradiction of Rwanda’s portrayal as a peacekeeping nation while engaging in warfare within the region, calling for their removal from UN peacekeeping missions.
The ongoing conflict in the DRC has historic roots, involving significant regional tensions primarily between DRC and Rwanda. Rwanda has been accused of supporting various rebel factions, including the M23, which have caused instability in eastern DRC. The region has endured decades of strife, further complicated by Rwanda’s military interventions and the presence of foreign troops. The international community remains concerned about the humanitarian impact of this conflict while exploring diplomatic resolutions.
In summary, the complex relationship between Rwanda and the DRC continues to escalate, with accusations of illegal occupations, military incursions, and a call for accountability. As regional bodies like Sadc engage in peacekeeping efforts, the response from both national governments underscores the pivotal role of international law and diplomacy in resolving this crisis. Emphasizing the need for sanctions and a reevaluation of foreign aid to Rwanda highlights ongoing global concerns surrounding the conflict.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
