Recently, M23 and the Congolese Army (FARDC) were asked to observe a ceasefire, but fighting persists in Masisi territory, North Kivu. The latest Luanda talks called for Rwanda to reduce its security measures, contingent on DR Congo addressing the FDLR threat to Rwanda.
In a recent exclusive interview with IGIHE, Rwanda's Foreign Affairs Minister, Olivier Nduhungirehe, discussed challenges in the Rwanda-DRC talks, Rwanda's security measures that concern DR Congo, and potential solutions. He highlighted that FARDC consistently violates agreements, with recent fighting reportedly provoked by FARDC and its allied FDLR and Wazalendo forces.
"The information we have on recent clashes is that Wazalendo and FDLR attacked M23 bases, provoking a response. This pattern has recurred as DR Congo's government uses such groups in violation of ceasefire agreements, prompting M23 to retaliate,' Nduhungirehe noted.
He emphasized that Rwanda's security measures remain necessary due to FARDC's continued alliance with the FDLR. Nduhungirehe explained that President Tshisekedi's threats against Rwanda and his collaboration with the FDLR, which includes individuals responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, leave Rwanda no choice but to prioritize defence.
The Solution Lies in Dialogue with M23
Nduhungirehe reiterated that Rwanda's stance in Luanda talks has been for DR Congo to address grievances by engaging directly with M23, representing Kinyarwanda-speaking Congolese, primarily Tutsis, who have long faced persecution and discrimination.
'The Congolese government needs to address this internal issue, involving M23 and the larger Congolese community, through direct dialogue,' the minister added.
When asked whether DR Congo's reluctance to dismantle the FDLR undermines Rwanda's participation in the talks, Nduhungirehe remarked, 'There's no political will to eliminate the FDLR. Even in Luanda, where strategies to dismantle the FDLR were discussed, reports emerged that the FDLR continued to receive arms and hold military meetings with Congolese officials. Recent attacks branded as efforts to root out the FDLR were superficial and intended to appease international audiences.'
On October 30, experts from Rwanda, DR Congo, and Angola met in Luanda to refine plans to counter the FDLR, which will be submitted to foreign ministers from both countries for approval. However, Congo's government continues to view Rwanda and M23 as the primary issue, downplaying the FDLR threat.
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/politics-48/article/nduhungirehe-speaks-out-on-national-and-regional-security
