Rwanda’s Foreign Minister asserts that the country is unfazed by potential diplomatic isolation amid the DRC conflict. He emphasizes Rwanda’s need to protect its borders against threats from the M23 rebel group. Nduhungirehe calls for UN intervention in response to hate crimes in the region, while also disputing casualty reports in the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
Rwanda’s Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe has stated that the country will not shy away from diplomatic isolation due to the ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). He emphasized Rwanda’s commitment to defending its borders despite international pressure and criticisms regarding its backing of the M23 rebel group, which has recently expanded its influence by capturing significant urban territories in the region.
During an address to the UN correspondents’ association ACANU, Nduhungirehe expressed that punitive measures from other nations, such as the UK’s suspension of aid and US sanctions against a Rwandan official, would not deter Rwanda’s defensive actions. His statements proclaim that “Any talks about punitive measures and sanctions against Rwanda cannot sway us from protecting our borders and our population.”
He further elaborated on Rwanda’s resolve by stating, “Rwanda doesn’t fear to be isolated. We are facing an existential threat against our country from a genocidal force.” Nduhungirehe made his remarks at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, highlighting the resurgence of violent ethnic extremism in the Great Lakes region.
The foreign minister accused various groups in eastern DRC of promoting hate speech and committing atrocities against the Congolese Tutsi minority. He called upon the UN to respond swiftly to these alarming incidents, which he reported as being documented widely on social media.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres cautioned that the fall of more cities in eastern DRC could escalate into a regional conflict. However, Nduhungirehe reassured reporters that a peace effort was underway, claiming, “If there is good will, we don’t fear any regional war, especially as now on the ground there is a de facto ceasefire.”
Despite the Foreign Minister’s confidence, the humanitarian crisis in eastern DRC remains dire. Reports indicate over 7,000 fatalities have occurred since January, with a substantial number occurring in Goma. Nduhungirehe contested that these casualties largely involve combatants rather than civilians, underscoring the complex nature of the conflict.
Rwanda’s leadership stands firm against international pressures related to the DRC conflict, emphasizing national security over foreign diplomatic relations. The ongoing hostilities, exacerbated by the M23’s territorial gains, continue to threaten regional stability. While Rwanda’s government remains resilient, the humanitarian situation in eastern DRC demands urgent global attention and intervention, with significant civilian and combatant casualties reported.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
