Wellars Gasamagera, RPF Secretary General, urged the DR Congo to cut ties with the FDLR militia to achieve regional peace. He condemned plans to attack Rwanda, calling for dialogue and addressing internal conflicts. Misrepresentations of the crisis’s origins and counterproductive sanctions against Rwanda were also criticized, emphasizing the need for collective strategies toward peace.
Wellars Gasamagera, Secretary General of the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF-Inkotanyi), emphasized the necessity for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) to sever ties with the FDLR militia to foster peace in the region. During the National Consultative Forum of Political Organizations on February 25, he articulated that the partnership with this UN-sanctioned group exacerbates ongoing conflicts, particularly following the M23 rebels gaining control of Goma.
Gasamagera expressed serious concerns over Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi’s alleged intentions to attack Rwanda and urged the abandonment of such plans. He firmly stated, “Congo must abandon its plan to overthrow Rwanda’s leadership, which was democratically elected by its citizens.” He further stressed that lasting peace cannot be achieved while the FDLR remains operational within DR Congo.
Highlighting the necessity for negotiations to address the root causes of the conflict, Gasamagera noted that genuine peace results from dialogue and persistent peaceful efforts. He praised President Paul Kagame’s commitment to ensuring regional security and urged all Rwandans to support the President’s initiative to safeguard the nation.
The FDLR, formed by those responsible for the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi, signifies an enduring threat as it continues to target Tutsi communities in Congo and launch attacks on Rwanda. Gasamagera lamented the misrepresentation of the crisis by the Congolese government and the international community, asserting that the true issues stem from internal factors rather than external influences.
Gasamagera criticized the sanctions imposed on Rwanda regarding alleged support for M23, deeming them ineffective and counterproductive. He remarked, “Sanctions have not solved anything. Instead, they embolden the DR Congo to continue avoiding responsibility for its own governance failures,” reiterating the need for the Congolese government to address its internal challenges directly.
In summary, Wellars Gasamagera’s statements highlight the critical need for the DR Congo to dissociate from the FDLR militia to foster regional stability. He urges for the abandonment of aggressive plans against Rwanda, emphasizing dialogue and negotiation to resolve conflicts. Furthermore, the misattribution of the crisis’s origins must be corrected, recognizing it as an internal issue rather than one influenced by Rwanda or external stakeholders. Finally, sanctions against Rwanda may undermine the ongoing efforts for peace and accountability.
Original Source: www.newtimes.co.rw
