Title: The Rwandan military presence in the DRC revealed by a UN report
According to a United Nations (UN) report consulted by Africa Intelligence, Rwandan soldiers have been present in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) from November 2022 until March 2023. The missions of the Rwandan Defense Forces (RDF) were coordinated by President Kagame’s Defense and Security Advisor, General James Kabarebe.
Rwandan soldiers were located in Ruhuru, Masisi and Nyiragongo territories, where they used mortars against Congolese army positions. A notebook recovered by the experts in Mashaki made it possible to detail the names and ranks of the Rwandan soldiers sent on mission to the area.
This military presence is seen as a violation of DRC sovereignty and the 2002 Pretoria peace accord. It could also complicate already strained relations between the two countries.
The Rwandan government has so far not reacted to these revelations, but this military presence could raise questions about Kigali’s true intention in the DRC.