DR Congo Denies Capturing Alleged FDLR Fighters, Calls Handover Staged

The DRC military denied capturing alleged FDLR fighters, calling a handover video staged. The M23 rebel group, supported by Rwanda, claimed the capture to justify their actions as they gained territory in eastern DRC. The DRC accused Rwanda of war crimes, intensifying fears of regional conflict.

The Democratic Republic of Congo’s military has refuted claims that it captured twenty fighters connected to the Rwandan genocide, labeling a video of their supposed handover to Rwanda as “faked.” This denial follows the announcement by the Rwanda-supported M23 rebel group, which stated it had apprehended members of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a militia formed by ethnic Hutus involved in the 1994 genocide.

The M23 group, bolstered by Rwandan support, has recently made significant territorial gains in eastern DRC, overtaking critical cities such as Goma and Bukavu. They released a video purportedly showing the transfer of the alleged FDLR fighters at the border between the DRC and Rwanda. In response, Congolese military officials condemned the incident as a “poorly orchestrated” attempt to tarnish the reputation of their forces.

Army commanders stated that this incident is a part of a broader Rwandan strategy to justify its incursions into DRC territory. They accused Rwandan authorities of fabricating evidence by dressing former FDLR detainees in new military attire to falsely present them as newly captured fighters. Furthermore, the DRC high command has alleged that the Rwandan military has committed war crimes, including the execution of wounded soldiers in Goma.

The intense conflict in eastern Congo raises concerns over a potential escalation into a larger regional war, potentially involving Rwanda, Uganda, and other neighboring nations. The situation remains precarious as tensions continue to rise amidst these serious allegations.

In summary, the DRC military has dismissed claims regarding the capture of alleged FDLR fighters, asserting that the handover video was staged. The ongoing conflict in eastern Congo, exacerbated by Rwandan support for the M23 group, highlights the region’s volatility and the risks of a broader war. Allegations of war crimes further complicate the situation, demanding urgent international attention.

Original Source: jordantimes.com