End of military cooperation between the United States and Rwanda? Félix Tshisekedi talks about American sanctions.
In a speech to the United Nations General Assembly, Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi expressed concerns about ongoing violence in eastern DRC. He directly accused Rwandan President Paul Kagame of being linked to the activities of the M23 rebel group, calling the latter a criminal group. Félix Tshisekedi also revealed that the United States had decided to end its military cooperation with Rwanda, a decision which appears to support the Congolese president’s accusations.
However, the US embassy in Kinshasa has not yet confirmed the decision, and a US official said only that clarifications would be provided later. It is also worth noting that the United States has already imposed sanctions on several individuals, including some Rwandan nationals, for their alleged involvement in the conflict in eastern DRC.
This complex situation in the region once again highlights the geopolitical tensions at play. Discussions at the UN General Assembly promise to be intense, with representatives from around the world debating major issues related to the region.
Military cooperation between the United States and Rwanda dates back to 1962, when the two countries established diplomatic relations. The United States has provided active support to the Rwanda Defense Forces (RDF), covering areas such as border security, training of peacekeepers, and professionalization of the armed forces. They also supported Rwandan law enforcement in their quest for accountability, police reform and the fight against corruption.
The alleged decision by the United States to end its military cooperation with Rwanda marks a turning point in relations between the two countries. If confirmed, this could have a significant impact on regional dynamics and stability in eastern DRC.
It remains to be seen how Rwanda will react to these developments. Sanctions and the breakdown of military cooperation could cause additional tensions and require international mediation to resolve the situation.
Pending official clarifications, all eyes are on the next steps in this case and how it will evolve on the international scene. The importance of the region and the geopolitical issues at stake make this affair a subject closely followed by experts and international observers.