Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, the DRC’s Foreign Minister, accused Rwanda of illegal occupation and regime change attempts amid rising tensions following the M23 rebels’ capture of Goma. Rwanda denied these charges, claiming defensive actions to protect its borders. Meanwhile, SADC is meeting to discuss peacekeeping interventions in the conflict-ridden region, as recent clashes have led to multiple casualties among peacekeepers.
The Foreign Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, has accused Rwanda of illegally occupying Congolese territory and attempting to instigate regime change. These allegations arise amid heightened tensions following the recent capture of Goma by Rwanda-backed M23 rebels, who threaten further advances toward the capital, Kinshasa. Minister Wagner emphasized the need to hold Rwandan President Paul Kagame accountable for purported violations of international law.
In response to these accusations, Rwanda’s government spokeswoman, Yolande Makolo, denied any intentions of warfare or annexation. Instead, she asserted that Rwandan troops were deployed solely to protect their borders due to ongoing cross-border clashes that have resulted in casualties. Makolo stated that it is the responsibility of the DRC to secure its own territory effectively.
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) is convening a special meeting in Zimbabwe to address the escalating situation in DR Congo, where regional peacekeeping efforts involving primarily South African troops have been initiated to combat insurgents like the M23. Recent clashes have led to the deaths of 16 SADC soldiers, highlighting the urgent need for intervention in the region.
President Kagame engaged in a war of words, dismissing SADC forces as a legitimate peacekeeping presence. Makolo reiterated that Rwandan troops are acting defensively and that the DRC must improve its territory management to mitigate transgressions. Concurrently, Minister Wagner has called for the suspension of foreign aid to Rwanda and emphasized the importance of sanctions against those perpetuating the conflict.
The ongoing conflict in the DR Congo has historical roots involving complex relationships among neighboring nations, particularly Rwanda. After decades of civil strife, Rwanda’s involvement has often been marked by accusations of support for rebel groups like M23, which have destabilized the eastern regions of Congo. This has led to severe humanitarian crises and heightened geopolitical tensions. The SADC’s involvement indicates regional efforts to stabilize the area, which is rich in resources but plagued by violence and instability.
In summation, the allegations of illegal occupation and attempts at regime change by Rwanda against the DRC have sparked intense diplomatic tensions. Minister Wagner’s calls for sanctions and foreign aid cessation illustrate the gravity of the situation. With SADC’s peacekeeping efforts underway in response to rising violence, it remains critical for regional leaders to address the underlying issues fueling the conflict in the Great Lakes region.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
