The following news article explores recent statements by the President of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Félix Tshisekedi, regarding Rwanda’s support for the M23 terrorist groups. In a joint press conference with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Tshisekedi reaffirmed Rwanda’s involvement in the instability in the eastern DRC region.
According to Tshisekedi, Rwanda has repeatedly denied its involvement in the criminal acts committed by the M23, presenting these incidents as internal conflicts in the DRC. However, the Congolese president says there is plenty of evidence and documents to prove otherwise. He accuses Rwanda of continuing to deny its role in the DRC aggression, as it benefits from this instability economically.
Regarding possible negotiations with the M23, Tshisekedi remains categorical: he refuses to discuss with the members of this group whom he describes as “puppets”, manipulated by Rwanda. According to him, Rwanda is using this strategy to push the DRC to negotiate with an M23 group, while keeping dissent in reserve to pursue a predatory war that is economically advantageous to it.
Despite Rwanda’s denials, UN experts continue to present evidence of its active support for M23. In their latest report, they notably mentioned the presence of Rwandan forces in areas controlled by the M23, as well as the involvement of senior Rwandan officers in the planning and coordination of operations.
Rwanda, for its part, disputes the reports of the UN experts, calling them “incomplete” and questioning their objectivity. President Paul Kagame questions the real motivations of these reports and suggests that they could be used to maintain the status quo and generate financial flows rather than to solve problems.
This situation highlights the ongoing tensions between the DRC and Rwanda, as well as the challenges facing the eastern DRC region in terms of stability and security. Recent statements by Tshisekedi underscore the need to find lasting solutions to end instability and promote regional cooperation. The international community plays a crucial role in the search for a peaceful and lasting resolution of these conflicts