Rwandan President Kagame underscores the existential threat posed by the FDLR, a militia linked to the 1994 genocide, as he articulates Rwanda’s priority on national security over external pressures. He highlights the necessity of cooperation from DR Congo to combat such threats and stresses the importance of maintaining Rwandan unity in the face of challenges to its sovereignty.
In a recent interview with Jeune Afrique, Rwandan President Paul Kagame addressed the dual threats facing Rwanda: external sanctions and internal security concerns. He firmly stated that, when confronted with an existential threat like the FDLR—an armed group linked to the 1994 genocide intent on destabilizing Rwanda—he would prioritize national security over international pressures. The FDLR’s collaboration with the Congolese army presents a severe risk that cannot be overlooked, yet there seems to be a lack of understanding of Rwanda’s concerns regarding the militant group residing in eastern DR Congo.
Kagame highlighted the international community’s flawed narrative, which often overlooks the historical injustices faced by Rwandan Tutsis, perpetuating misconceptions about Rwanda’s defensive posture. This perspective also fails to recognize the long-standing plight of Congolese Tutsis living in refugee camps. While acknowledging the importance of state sovereignty, he emphasized that a government failing to control its territory undermines its legitimacy, particularly when that territory is used as a base for attacks against a neighboring state.
The principle of good neighborliness in international relations dictates that countries must cooperate to mitigate threats emanating from within their borders. Rwanda’s security concerns call for a collaborative approach from DR Congo, especially in light of the FDLR’s brutality against its citizens. The inability or unwillingness of DR Congo to address these non-state actors leaves Rwanda with little choice but to invoke its right to self-defense.
Kagame argued that despite the notion of state equality under international law, the exercise of sovereignty plays a crucial role in regional stability. He reiterated Rwanda’s commitment to addressing threats to its national identity and security, drawing attention to the need for a united front against non-state armed groups. Ongoing agreements between Rwanda and DR Congo regarding the FDLR have not been realized, leaving Rwanda in a precarious situation and the international community seemingly indifferent.
The dilemma facing Rwanda is clear: it must defend its sovereignty and ensure the safety of its citizens, without compromising its core values. As Walter Lippmann noted, a nation’s security lies in its capacity to uphold its fundamental principles. For Rwanda, the preservation of national unity, especially post-genocide, is paramount and any leniency toward elements responsible for past atrocities poses a significant security risk.
In conclusion, Rwanda faces a complex dilemma of navigating existential threats from the FDLR while contending with international pressures regarding sovereignty. President Kagame’s emphasis on national security underscores the urgency of addressing militant threats from DR Congo. The collaboration and accountability between neighboring states are essential to achieving peace and stability in the region, as neglecting these responsibilities risks exacerbating longstanding tensions.
Original Source: www.newtimes.co.rw
