The administration of Rwanda under the leadership of President Gen. Deogracious Paul Kagame Lutagambwa has responded to France’s allegations of Rwanda’s involvement in conflicts in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Rwanda has conveyed to France that resolving the conflict hinges on addressing the root causes rather than solely attributing blame to Rwanda’s participation.
The French government has levied accusations against Rwanda, alleging its support for the M23 rebels, exacerbating the conflict in Congo and undermining peace efforts. Consequently, France has urged Rwanda to cease its backing and facilitation of the M23 rebels.
Additionally, the French government appealed to Rwanda to remove its troops from Congo in order to achieve internal peace in the region. This move is expected to bring about tranquility in the heart of Congo.
Nevertheless, Yolande Makolo, spokesperson for the Rwandan government, retorted to the French authorities, stating that they are aware of the true cause that ignited the conflict in Congo. She emphasized that France holds the key to ending the war instead of engaging in actions that tarnish Rwanda’s reputation.
She emphasized that the current head of UN Peacekeeping Operations is well-versed in this history, as well as the ongoing situation in Eastern DRC, ensuring clarity.
France is fully aware that poor governance, corruption, abduction, and racial discrimination are the primary factors behind the outbreak of the war in Congo.
She asserts that addressing these issues is essential for ending the war, rather than unfairly targeting Rwanda. Once governance, corruption, abduction, and racial discrimination are resolved, peace can be restored, without unjustly implicating Rwanda every time. According to Makolo, resolving issues such as tribal and racial segregation, unemployment, and abductions in Congo will prompt Rwanda to withdraw its troops from the region.
“No one knows more about the root causes of history of conflict in Eastern Congo than France” Makolo tweeted.
She went ahead and added, “Additionally, the current head of UN Peacekeeping Operations is also very conversant with this history, as well as what is going on in Eastern DRC, so there should be no confusion”.
