Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Kenyans.co.ke
Published on 2024-02-19 15:40:29
Rwandan President Paul Kagame made a plea on Saturday, February 17, for the resumption of the Nairobi Process, led by former President Uhuru Kenyatta, which seeks to bring peace and stability to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This plea followed a tense African Union (AU) meeting where Kagame remarked that his nation would not hesitate to protect nor would it apologize for safeguarding the security of its people. In the meeting, Kagame further told Heads of State that Rwanda would not seek permission to do so. An AU document seen by Kenyans.co.ke revealed that Kagame’s remarks during the meeting had been redacted from the communique.
Rwanda released a statement moments after the AU Summit, expressing deep concern about the abandonment of the Luanda and Nairobi Processes by the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as the international community’s indifference to DRC’s dramatic military build-up. While Rwanda claimed that the President Uhuru Kenyatta-led peace initiative had been abandoned, the AU in its communique spoke to the contrary, expressing deep concern by the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Eastern DRC orchestrated by Rwanda-backed M23 rebels. The AU reiterated its call for M23, Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), and other armed groups to unconditionally cease hostilities, disarm and engage in dialogue through the Luanda and Nairobi processes.
In defense, Rwanda claimed that DRC is conducting combat operations in contravention of the decisions of regional mechanisms and aims to expel M23 and civilians to neighboring countries. Kagame defended his stance by alleging that the recent M23 advances were due to the DRC’s decision to expel the East African Community Regional Force in December 2023, which oversaw ceasefire and withdrawal efforts. Among the forces that have been withdrawn from DRC include members of the Kenya Defense Forces (KDF). Kagame further alleged that there was a plan by DRC President Felix Tshisekedi to invade Rwanda and institute a regime change.
Additionally, Rwanda faulted a statement by the United States which blamed Kagame’s administration for the deteriorating situation in DRC. Kagame’s administration stated that the statement issued by the U.S. Department of State stands in puzzling contradiction with the substance and tone of the confidence-building process initiated by the U.S. Director of National Intelligence in November 2023, which created a productive framework for de-escalation.
The plea by President Kagame for the resumption of the Nairobi Process indicates the ongoing tensions and complexities in the region. As the situation in the DRC continues to evolve, it is clear that a multilateral and collaborative approach will be essential for achieving lasting peace and stability in the region.
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