In a recent statement, the Armed Forces of the DR Congo sounded the alarm over Rwanda’s intentions to deploy more troops on Congolese territory. According to the Congolese authorities, this military deployment is justified by the alleged threat of an offensive by the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
However, the FARDC question this pretext advanced by Rwanda, affirming that it is in reality only a way for this country to legitimize its military presence in the DRC and to conceal the crimes and atrocities which it has already committed. The FARDC also point out that the Rwandan army is already operating on Congolese soil, under the M23 label, in the territories of Masisi, Rutshuru and Nyirangongo.
Faced with this situation, the FARDC call on the national and international community to be vigilant and affirm that they will not allow any foreign army to use the DRC as a rear base. They denounce Rwanda’s desire to perpetuate violence and insecurity among the Congolese population.
It should be recalled that, according to the latest report by the UN group of experts, Rwanda provides support to the M23. This report sheds light on the deadly conflicts that have erupted recently between M23 terrorists and “Wazalendo” self-defense groups in Rutshuru and Masisi territories.
This situation of tension between the DRC and Rwanda is worrying. It is essential that diplomatic efforts and international interventions be intensified in order to find a peaceful solution to this conflict and to protect the Congolese population from any future violence