Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame defends Rwanda’s right to prioritize security over foreign sanctions, rejecting accusations regarding instability in eastern DR Congo. He underscores the role of the FDLR militia’s presence and the DRC’s governance failures in the conflict’s continuation. Kagame expresses sympathy for the M23 prevalent in the region, attributing their actions to pressures faced by Kinyarwanda-speaking communities.
President Paul Kagame of Rwanda has affirmed that his nation will prioritize its security over international pressure, rejecting threats of sanctions from Western countries that blame Rwanda for ongoing instability in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). In an interview with Jeune Afrique, Kagame pointed out that the root of the instability is tied to governance issues within DRC, compounded by the presence of the FDLR militia, a group responsible for the 1994 genocide in Rwanda. He emphasized that threats from foreign nations will not deter Rwanda from addressing existential security challenges.
Kagame criticized the DRC government for exacerbating tensions through ethnic persecution and hiring foreign mercenaries to target the Kinyarwanda-speaking population. He made it clear that Rwanda will respond to genuine threats rather than succumb to pressures from foreign entities. “Between dealing with existential threats and dealing with threats to punish Rwanda for one thing or another, without a second thought, I will turn my guns to the existential threat.” He also recounted the tragic history of the 1994 genocide, highlighting the atrocities committed under international watch.
The President denounced the hypocrisy of former colonial powers, reiterating that the FDLR poses a direct threat to Rwanda’s security. Kagame highlighted that the FDLR, underpinned by extremist ideologies, has capitalized on the lack of governance in eastern DRC to gain a foothold. He referenced discussions with DRC’s President Felix Tshisekedi, who underestimated the danger of the FDLR, as Kagame stressed their historical intents to return to Rwanda and instigate further violence.
On the issue of the M23 group, Kagame expressed sympathy for their plight as they represent a persecuted community within DRC. He noted that countless Congolese refugees in Rwanda provide evidence of the ethnic targeting suffered by Kinyarwanda speakers in eastern DRC. Kagame questioned why these victims should not receive sympathy and condemned the complicity of DRC and Burundian forces in perpetuating ethnic violence.
Kagame categorized the ongoing conflict in DRC as an ethnic war requiring immediate intervention by regional leaders to prevent spillover effects in Rwanda. He urged for a comprehensive understanding of the conflict, emphasizing the necessity to confront the challenges posed by groups like the FDLR and the political realities in DRC. Acknowledging the complexities at play, he called for a reasoned approach to resolving the humanitarian and security crises facing the region.
Kagame’s stance presents a clear refusal to compromise Rwanda’s security in the face of external pressures, shedding light on the complex socio-political landscape of eastern DRC and its impacts on Rwandan security. By attaching historical context to contemporary challenges, Kagame underscores the long-standing impacts of ethnic conflict and the need for regional solutions. His emphasis on understanding the role of militias like the FDLR indicates a call for international acknowledgment of the deeper issues at play in ongoing conflicts.
Original Source: www.newtimes.co.rw
