The DRC’s FARDC rejects Rwanda’s claims of capturing FDLR Commander Gakwerere as a media stunt designed to justify its military actions in Congo. They cite inconsistencies in Rwanda’s reporting and accuse Rwandan authorities of deception. Tensions remain high in eastern DRC amid accusations of war crimes by both nations, with Rwanda framing its actions as targeting genocidal militias.
The Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) have disputed Rwanda’s claims about the arrest of FDLR Commander Ezéchiel Gakwerere and 14 other FDLR fighters, labeling the event a “staged operation” intended to justify Rwanda’s aggressive stance towards the DRC. This assertion follows the announcement by the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) that Gakwerere and other fighters, allegedly wearing FARDC uniforms, were captured and repatriated.
FARDC spokesperson General-Major Ekenge Bomusa Efomi Sylvain criticized the situation as “a poorly executed fabrication” meant to undermine the credibility of the DRC army and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) forces, positioning it as part of Rwanda’s efforts to legitimize its military involvement in Congolese territory.
The DRC military expressed skepticism about the authenticity of the claimed repatriation, pointing out discrepancies in the identities of the purported FDLR fighters. For instance, Patrick Ishimwe, listed among the captured, had already been mentioned in Rwandan media months earlier, highlighting possible manipulations in their narrative.
FARDC further alleged that Rwandan authorities engaged in deceptive practices by taking former FDLR prisoners from Gitarama Central Prison, dressing them in new FARDC uniforms, and presenting them as captured fighters. Meanwhile, RDF contends these fighters collaborated with the Congolese military and local mercenaries against Rwandan interests.
The FARDC claims that the allegations from Rwanda fit into a larger strategy to justify military operations in eastern Congo. They further contend that Gakwerere, linked to former Rwandan President Paul Kagame, is involved in orchestrating violence against Congolese civilians under Kagame’s directive.
In addition to denying ties with the FDLR, FARDC accused the Rwandan army of war crimes, citing specific instances such as the execution of Congolese soldiers in Goma. They stress that such actions amount to crimes against humanity that must be addressed.
The ongoing tensions between DRC and Rwanda are exacerbated by the continuing M23 rebellion, which destabilizes North Kivu. While Rwanda asserts it targets genocidal militia like the FDLR, the DRC government views the M23 movement as a proxy for Rwanda’s territorial ambitions in the region.
The FARDC strongly denies allegations of collaboration with the FDLR, viewing Rwanda’s claims as a strategy to legitimize its military presence in the DRC. They highlight discrepancies in the reported capture of FDLR fighters and emphasize that Rwandan military actions amount to war crimes. Ongoing strife in eastern DRC is exacerbated by the activities of the M23 rebels, interpreted by Kinshasa as a direct extension of Rwandan territorial interests.
Original Source: chimpreports.com
