Spokesperson assures Rwanda committed to achieving peace in DR Congo war

2025-02-08 12:31:14

(MENAFN) Rwanda is committed to achieving peace and a lasting resolution to the conflict in the neighboring Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), according to government spokesperson Yolande Makolo. Speaking to RT, Makolo emphasized Rwanda’s dedication to a Political process and stated that Rwanda desires peace more than anyone else in the region.

In response to accusations from the DRC government, which blames Rwanda for escalating tensions in eastern Congo, Makolo dismissed the allegations. She argued that the DRC government is focused on blaming others rather than addressing its own internal governance and security challenges. She also stressed that Rwanda is simply defending its borders and ensuring the safety of its people from threats, particularly the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a rebel group tied to the 1994 Rwandan genocide operating in the DRC.

Makolo reiterated that there is no military solution to the conflict and called for a political resolution led by the African Union and regional leaders. She also welcomed the M23 rebel group’s unilateral ceasefire, which she hoped would open up space for dialogue. Makolo mentioned the suffering of Rwandan civilians, citing 16 deaths due to cross-border shelling.

Regarding the presence of Rwandan troops in the DRC, she clarified that Rwanda’s military is only stationed on its borders to defend against any threats. Makolo denied accusations that Rwanda is supporting M23 rebels, emphasizing that Rwanda is hosting over 100,000 Congolese refugees fleeing violence. She also criticized the international community’s response to the crisis, calling out the ineffectiveness of the UN’s peacekeeping mission, MONUSCO, which has been in the DRC for over 20 years.

Makolo addressed claims that the conflict is fueled by competition over mineral resources, stating that Rwanda does not have any mineral companies in the DRC. The region remains embroiled in violence, with armed groups like M23 fighting for control of resource-rich areas, which include valuable minerals such as gold and diamonds. The M23's recent territorial gains have raised concerns about the potential for a wider regional conflict.

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