Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Burundi Times
Published on 2024-02-19 11:41:11
Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda, is currently facing mounting pressure and accusations of supporting the M23 rebel group, which is causing destabilization in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The United States of America condemned the escalating violence in the eastern DRC on February 17th, 2024, attributing it to the actions of the Rwanda-backed, U.S.- and UN-sanctioned M23 armed group. The U.S. urged Rwanda to immediately withdraw all Rwanda Defense Force personnel from the DRC and remove its surface-to-air missile systems.
The press statement from Mathew Miller, the U.S. Department of State spokesperson, emphasized the importance of respecting each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, calling on the government of the DRC to cease cooperation with the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), an armed group labeled as a “negative force” by regional bodies and the DRC government.
Relations between Burundi and DRC with Rwanda have also deteriorated, with both countries accusing Kigali of supporting rebel groups that have been conducting attacks and causing civilian casualties. Burundi, in response, closed all its land borders with Rwanda, accusing Kigali of supporting, training, and funding the armed group Red Tabara, which carried out an attack in December, resulting in the deaths of at least 20 people.
President Antoine Tshisekedi of DRC has accused Rwanda of deploying its forces (RDF) alongside the M23, leading to instability and claiming hundreds of civilian lives in the eastern part of DRC.
Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded, stating that protecting the rights and lives of Congolese Tutsi is the responsibility of the DRC, and the failure to do so has resulted in 30 years of conflict and instability in the Great Lakes Region. Rwanda emphasized that the M23 issue must be resolved politically among the Congolese and rejected the problem being externalized into Rwanda.
Burundi, a non-SADC member, joined forces with SADC to combat the M23 rebel group after the withdrawal of the East African Regional Forces, with DRC refusing to renew their mandate, claiming the forces did not accomplish their mission.
Overall, the growing tensions and accusations of supporting rebel groups have strained the relationships between Rwanda, Burundi, and DRC. The involvement of the United States and other international actors further complicates the situation, as all parties involved seek to address the ongoing conflict and instability in the region. As the situation continues to evolve, diplomatic and political efforts will be crucial in finding a resolution and restoring stability in the affected areas.
Read the original article on Burundi Times
