The Rwandan government has summoned the UK High Commissioner over comments linking Rwanda to the ADF, a terrorist group. Rwanda condemned the remarks as false and dangerous, asserting no ties to the ADF. The tensions are exacerbated by recent UK sanctions regarding the M23 rebellion. Rwanda demands a public apology from the UK for the misleading statements made by Lord Collins.
The Rwandan government has summoned the United Kingdom’s High Commissioner to Kigali, Alison Thorpe, in response to remarks made by UK Minister for Africa, Lord Collins of Highbury, during a House of Lords session. His comments falsely associated Rwanda with the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a terrorist group affiliated with ISIS, operating in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. The Rwandan Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned these statements as false, insulting, and dangerous.
Lord Collins had suggested that Rwanda’s Foreign Minister had denied accusations regarding an ADF attack in the DRC; however, Rwanda has rejected this claim as completely inaccurate. They asserted that the ADF was not even mentioned during discussions between their Foreign Minister and Collins in Geneva. The Rwandan government is adamant that it has no links to the ADF, which they state operates far from their borders.
Rwanda further emphasized its role in counterterrorism efforts within the region, particularly in combating similar threats in Cabo Delgado, Mozambique, where Rwandan forces collaborate with Mozambican troops against ISIS-linked militants. The government denounced Lord Collins’ remarks as irresponsible, accusing him of feeding propaganda that undermines African-led peace initiatives.
The diplomatic tensions come after recent UK sanctions imposed on Rwanda, stemming from allegations of its support for the M23 rebellion in Eastern DRC, which Rwanda continues to deny. These sanctions include targeted measures against individuals associated with Rwanda and the suspension of military cooperation.
Although Lord Collins has expressed remorse in a private message to Rwanda’s Foreign Minister and intends to amend his comments in a letter to the House of Lords, Rwanda finds this insufficient. They have officially requested a public correction and an apology from the UK government to curtail the spread of misinformation, further highlighting the growing rift between Rwanda and Western nations regarding the DRC conflict.
In summary, the Rwandan government has taken significant diplomatic action against the UK in light of comments linking it to the ADF. Rwanda emphasizes its counterterrorism commitments while asserting its innocence regarding allegations on the M23 conflict. The situation reflects escalating tensions in diplomatic relations, with Rwanda calling for public accountability from UK officials to protect its reputation and ensure regional stability.
Original Source: chimpreports.com
