Rwandan President Paul Kagame expressed uncertainty about troop deployments in the DRC amid ongoing violence involving the M23 rebel group. He characterized the FDLR as a significant threat to Rwanda and asserted that the nation would take necessary actions to safeguard its security, dismissing external assurances from international entities.
Rwandan President Paul Kagame has stated in an interview with CNN that he is uncertain whether Rwandan troops are present in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where skirmishes between the M23 rebel group and Congolese forces have resulted in significant casualties. It is widely believed internationally that Rwanda supports the M23 militia, which recently declared the seizure of Goma, a major city in the region.
U.N. experts estimate that as many as 4,000 Rwandan soldiers may be overseeing and aiding the M23, surpassing the numbers of rebel fighters in the DRC. When questioned about the presence of Rwandan military personnel in the DRC, Kagame’s ambiguous response highlighted his position as the commander-in-chief of the Rwandan Defence Force while also expressing a sense of uncertainty regarding troop deployment.
Kagame addressed comparisons between himself and Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding military support for local insurgents, stating, “There will be so many stories.” He emphasized that public perception is beyond his control but reiterated the necessity of Rwanda ensuring its survival amidst regional conflicts.
The Rwandan leader labeled the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) as an “existential threat” to Rwanda, claiming their integration into the Congolese military with purported support from other regional governments. Kagame maintained that Rwanda would undertake all necessary measures to protect itself, asserting that external parties, including the United Nations, would not intervene on its behalf as he indicated the determination to act in its own interests.
The situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo has been unstable, particularly in its eastern region, where various armed groups operate, including the M23, which has been implicated in widespread violence. The international community is concerned about Rwanda’s potential involvement and support for the M23 fighters, particularly given past allegations against the Rwandan government for its role in regional conflicts. President Kagame’s statements reflect the tense political dynamics and security concerns that continue to shape relations between Rwanda and the DRC, particularly regarding armed groups like the FDLR, which poses a direct threat to Rwandan national security.
In summary, President Kagame’s recent comments to CNN reveal a complex and precarious situation for Rwanda concerning its involvement in the DRC. While he expressed uncertainty about troop presence, he emphasized Rwanda’s readiness to take necessary actions to ensure its national security. The ongoing violence in the eastern DRC and the entangled history of conflict between these nations underscores the urgent need for diplomatic resolutions to avoid further escalation.
Original Source: edition.cnn.com
