The U.S. sanctioned Rwandan officials for supporting M23 rebels in DRC, while Rwanda denies such involvement. Multiple reports, including from the U.N., provide evidence of Rwandan military actions in the DRC, with allegations of thousands of troops involved. The situation has reached a critical point, leading to international calls for Rwanda to withdraw its forces and respect Congolese sovereignty.
The U.S. Treasury Department recently sanctioned James Kabarebe, a Rwandan Foreign Affairs minister, for allegedly acting as a liaison to the M23 armed group and facilitating Rwanda’s support for it. The sanctions highlight concerns about actions threatening the peace and stability of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This accusation coincides with increasing allegations from the U.S., U.N., and human rights organizations regarding Rwanda’s support for M23 rebels as they captured more territory in eastern DRC.
Despite these accusations, Rwanda has consistently denied aiding M23. At a recent security conference in Munich, Rwandan Defense Minister Juvenal Marizamunda proclaimed, “Rwanda has never attacked Congo and will never do so,” asserting that Rwanda’s actions are solely defensive. However, evidence collected by various organizations contradicts this claim, showing Rwandan military support for M23 and direct military involvement in the DRC.
Reports indicate that the Rwandan Defense Forces (RDF) have been actively participating in conflict zones alongside M23 fighters. A February 7 article in The Guardian stated that hundreds of RDF soldiers have perished during M23 operations in the DRC, with intelligence suggesting that losses might be in the thousands. Additionally, a Global Conflict Tracker report estimated that Rwanda has committed about 3,000 to 4,000 troops to support M23 in Eastern DRC.
The U.N. has obtained photographic and aerial evidence of RDF activity inside DRC territory, particularly in areas controlled by M23. A U.N. statement confirmed, “In a video shot on November 15, 2022, at least 25 combatants, members of RDF, were shown marching in columns in Kiwanja in Rutshuru territory.” This footage further substantiates claims of direct military support for M23.
During a special UN session in early February, evidence of Rwanda’s military assistance to M23 was reported, highlighting the need for Rwanda to respect DRC’s sovereignty and withdraw its forces. U.N. experts have also accused Rwanda’s military of exerting control over M23’s operations, including training and supplying the group with arms.
U.N. peacekeeping chief Jean-Pierre Lacroix recognized the presence of Rwandan troops in Goma, emphasizing the difficulty in quantifying their numbers. The U.S. has echoed these concerns, urging Rwanda to withdraw its troops, citing their destabilizing impact on humanitarian operations.
In light of these tensions, sanctions have been implemented against Rwandan military officials involved in operations within the DRC. Notably, actions in late August involved sanctions against Brigadier General Andrew Nyamvumba for his role in attacks on DRC’s armed forces alongside M23.
Recent findings from Human Rights Watch affirm that Rwandan forces and M23 have bombarded civilian areas, leading to significant casualties, including among children. Evidence from January last year highlighted unlawful strikes by Rwandan troops, indicating ongoing violations of human rights in the conflict-affected regions of the DRC.
The ongoing conflict in the DRC is exacerbated by Rwanda’s alleged backing of M23 rebels, which has been repeatedly denied by Rwandan officials. Despite these denials, substantial evidence, including sanctions and testimonies from international observers, points to Rwanda’s direct military involvement and support for the armed group. Continued international pressure is evident, as organizations call for Rwanda to respect DRC’s sovereignty and restore peace in the region.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
