Peter Fahrenholtz, a former German ambassador, questioned EU claims about Rwanda’s involvement with M23 rebels in the DRC, emphasizing the need to address the grievances of the M23 and the persecution of Congolese Tutsi. Kaja Kallas stated that M23’s actions threaten DRC’s territorial integrity. The discussion highlighted the impact of European mercenaries in this conflict and Rwanda’s security concerns.
A former German ambassador, Peter Fahrenholtz, has challenged a European Union official’s claims concerning Rwanda’s alleged involvement with M23 rebels in Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). In a reaction to Kaja Kallas, the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Fahrenholtz pointed out that the multitude of grievances held by M23, coupled with the persecution of Congolese Tutsi, has not received adequate attention.
Kaja Kallas asserted that “M23/Rwanda must respect DRC territorial integrity, stop advances and withdraw from occupied territory,” implying that the M23 group consists of non-Congolese elements. Fahrenholtz subsequently raised questions about the citizenship of M23 members and the presence of European mercenaries, urging the EU to consider who will ensure the protection of ethnic minorities in Eastern DRC amidst this conflict.
The M23 group is part of the Alliance Fleuve Congo led by Corneille Nangaa, advocating for the rights of the Congolese Tutsi community, who have faced historical persecution. During the fighting against M23, approximately 2,000 mercenaries from Eastern Europe were deployed alongside the Congolese army and its supporting forces, which include troops from Burundi and local armed groups.
Following a meeting with Rwanda’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Olivier Nduhungirehe, Kallas encountered further rebuttals of the allegations against Rwanda. Nduhungirehe emphasized the lack of attention to Rwanda’s legitimate security concerns regarding the FDLR militia, which is linked to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
In concluding remarks, Nduhungirehe asserted that attributing blame to Rwanda would not contribute to resolving the ongoing crisis. He warned that misleading interpretations of the situation in Eastern DRC, and the unilateral measures directed against Rwanda, would fail to lead to a viable solution.
In summary, the discourse on the involvement of European mercenaries and Rwanda’s alleged support of M23 rebels reveals significant complexities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s conflict. Peter Fahrenholtz’s challenge raises critical questions about ethnic protection in the region and the accuracy of claims being made by EU officials. The statements from both Kaja Kallas and Olivier Nduhungirehe underscore the urgent need for a comprehensive understanding of the issues at play to facilitate a meaningful resolution.
Original Source: www.newtimes.co.rw
