Kagame Expresses Uncertainty Regarding Rwandan Troops in DRC Conflict

Rwandan President Paul Kagame stated he is uncertain whether troops from Rwanda are stationed in the DRC amid ongoing conflict with the M23 rebel group. He expressed Rwanda’s commitment to protecting its national interests, labeling groups like FDLR an existential threat. Kagame emphasized Rwanda’s autonomy in securing its safety despite international scrutiny over potential military involvement.

Rwandan President Paul Kagame expressed uncertainty when questioned about the presence of Rwandan troops in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), an area embroiled in conflict involving the M23 rebel group and Congolese forces. Recently, over 700 fatalities and countless injuries have resulted from these clashes. Despite being the commander-in-chief of the Rwandan Defence Force, Kagame stated, “I don’t know” if Rwandan soldiers are operating within the DRC.

In the same interview, Kagame acknowledged that Rwanda is heavily concerned about the situation in the DRC and its implications for national security. He affirmed that his government remains committed to protecting its sovereignty, stating emphatically, “We have to do what we have to do… we have to make sure we survive any storm that blows across our country.” Kagame noted he is aware of various narratives concerning his leadership but cannot control public perception.

Referring to the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), Kagame described the group as an “existential threat” to Rwanda and accused it of being intertwined with Congolese armed forces. He alleged that faction’s existence in the DRC is underpinned by support from other regional governments. The president underscored Rwanda’s resolve to safeguard its interests, indicating that external entities like the United Nations will not intervene on its behalf.

Kagame reiterated that Rwanda will undertake necessary actions for its protection without elaborating on specific military strategies. When pressed on troop deployment, he intriguingly invited the interviewer to interpret his statements freely, hinting at potential ambiguity regarding military engagements. This response encapsulates the delicate and contentious nature of Rwanda’s involvement in the ongoing conflict in the DRC.

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has been subject to prolonged instability and armed conflict, particularly in its eastern regions. The M23 militia has recently escalated its offensive against Congolese troops, capturing key territories such as Goma. The international community widely speculates that Rwanda supports M23, amidst concerns of cross-border conflicts driven by rivalries and regional security dynamics. This situation has attracted significant international focus due to historical tensions between Rwanda and the DRC, particularly stemming from the Rwandan Genocide and subsequent refugee crises.

In summary, President Paul Kagame’s statements indicate a complex and precarious stance regarding Rwanda’s involvement in the DRC’s conflicts. His comments reflect a critical self-awareness of Rwanda’s national security concerns while maintaining a level of ambiguity about troop presence. The ongoing unrest in the DRC underscores the challenges both nations face in addressing regional stability, with Kagame emphasizing Rwanda’s determination to defend its interests independently amidst prevalent speculation.

Original Source: edition.cnn.com