Stéphanie Nyombayire, President Kagame’s Press Secretary, criticized CNN for editing Kagame’s interview to promote a biased narrative regarding Rwanda’s role in the eastern Congo conflict. Kagame reaffirmed Rwanda’s commitment to self-defense and blamed the international community for their failure to address the long-standing FDLR issue. He emphasized the importance of respecting all nations’ sovereignty while highlighting the complexities surrounding regional security.
Stéphanie Nyombayire, President Paul Kagame’s Press Secretary, accused CNN of manipulating Kagame’s interview to fit a specific narrative. The interview, conducted by Larry Madowo on February 3 in Kigali, discussed regional security and Rwanda’s perspective on the eastern Congo crisis. Nyombayire noted that CNN omitted key statements from Kagame, focusing instead on allegations of Rwanda’s support for the M23 militia while neglecting the DR Congo government’s associations with the FDLR, a group linked to past genocides.
In her effort to clarify the president’s remarks, Nyombayire cited Kagame’s clear stance on the FDLR, stating that their activities include threats against Rwanda. Kagame explained, “FDLR are associated and supported by governments in the region… Rwanda will fight back in whatever form.” He emphasized that Rwanda’s sovereignty should be respected equally alongside other nations, asserting that no country’s sovereignty is more significant than another’s.
Kagame criticized the international community for failing to resolve the FDLR issue over the past three decades, highlighting their role in perpetuating instability in the region. He argued, “The same international community blaming Rwanda… has left FDLR in Congo for 30 years… What stability is there?” His comments suggest that blaming Rwanda serves as a distraction from broader issues within the region.
Addressing the complexity of the eastern Congo situation, Kagame dismissed claims that it is overly complicated, asserting that awareness is possible even for the uninformed. He questioned Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi’s choices, indicating that outside influences push him toward conflict, stating, “…if they were not doing that, maybe he would see reason in the truth and prioritize the efforts to have peace.”
Kagame differentiated his priorities from Tshisekedi’s, underscoring the importance of self-defense based on historical lessons. He affirmed, “The most important thing for Rwanda is that we have to protect ourselves… We saw it in 1994.” His remarks stress Rwanda’s commitment to national security through proactive measures in defense and governance.
The backdrop of this statement involves ongoing tensions in the Great Lakes region of Africa, particularly concerning the relationship between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Rwanda has faced accusations over its involvement with the M23 rebel group, which has stirred international concern amid a protracted humanitarian crisis. This history is intertwined with Rwanda’s struggle for sovereignty and security in a region marked by political instability and violence stemming from past conflicts, including the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi and subsequent wars in the Congo.
In conclusion, the statements from Nyombayire and Kagame illustrate a robust defense of Rwanda’s national interests amidst international scrutiny. Kagame’s rejection of external narratives thread through themes of sovereignty, accountability, and national security, reflecting Rwanda’s position against perceived threats. By addressing the FDLR’s dangers and refuting claims of support for M23, Kagame seeks to clarify Rwanda’s role and assert its right to self-defense in a complex regional landscape.
Original Source: www.newtimes.co.rw
