Speaking in an interview with Kenya's NTV on Saturday, February 8, 2025, Makolo addressed the ongoing insecurity in eastern DRC and the repeated accusations that Rwanda is backing M23.
She reiterated that Rwanda's focus is on strengthening its own security and not interfering in the internal affairs of its neighbor.
She maintained that the conflict in eastern DRC is a Congolese issue that must be resolved internally. She also pointed out that Rwanda is directly affected by the instability across the border, making security a top priority.
During the interview, NTV journalist Michelle Ngele Odhiambo questioned Makolo about M23's growing military strength, noting that the rebel group has continued to gain ground, including the strategic city of Goma.
She referenced analysts who argue that the scale of M23's operations suggests external support and further mentioned President Paul Kagame's recent visit to Turkey, where Rwanda reportedly acquired new military equipment.
There have been claims that some of these weapons found their way into M23's hands, a suggestion she put forward to Makolo for clarification.
In response, Makolo firmly stated that Rwanda, like any sovereign nation, has the right to develop its military to safeguard national security. She dismissed the notion that Rwanda's defense investments were meant for anything other than protecting its own borders and people.
'Every country, including Kenya and the DRC, buys weapons from different suppliers. It is every nation's right to protect its security and build its military. This is not a matter for debate,' she said.
She went on to explain that the weapons in M23's possession were largely obtained from the Congolese army itself. According to Makolo, each time M23 defeats the Congolese forces in battle, they leave behind significant amounts of military equipment, which the rebel group then uses.
'The primary supplier of weapons to M23 is the Congolese military itself. Every time they engage in battle with M23 and lose, they leave behind large quantities of weapons and equipment. That is how M23 has been able to amass weapons,' she explained.
Makolo reiterated that Rwanda's primary concern is its own national security, not M23's activities.
'We are not preoccupied with M23. They are fighting their own battle for their survival and their right to live on their land in peace, without discrimination or ethnically motivated killings,' she said.
'Our concern is the safety of Rwandans and ensuring that our borders remain secure from the Congolese army, the FDLR, or the over 200 armed groups operating in eastern DRC.'
Her remarks come as M23 continues to advance, raising concerns about their next possible target, including Bukavu in South Kivu.
In response to the growing crisis, leaders from the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) recently met in Tanzania.
The summit called for an immediate ceasefire and urged a peaceful resolution through dialogue between the DRC government and all stakeholders, including M23.
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/our-military-development-is-for-national-security-makolo
