Rwanda summoned the UK envoy in response to accusations relating its government to the ADF, a terrorist group linked to ISIS. The Rwandan Ministry labeled these claims as false and dangerous, emphasizing ongoing counterterrorism operations in Mozambique. Tensions between the two nations have escalated due to UK sanctions regarding Rwanda’s alleged support for the M23 rebel group, exacerbating misinformation issues within diplomatic relations.
Kigali has summoned the UK High Commissioner to protest remarks made by Lord Collins of Highbury regarding Rwanda’s supposed connections to the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), an ISIS-linked terrorist group operating in the DRC. Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs labeled these comments as “false, insulting, and dangerous,” emphasizing that they undermine diplomacy and peace efforts in the Great Lakes region.
In a House of Lords session on February 26, Lord Collins suggested that Rwanda’s Foreign Minister denied ADF allegations related to recent attacks. However, the Rwandan government insists that the ADF was never discussed during a meeting between the two ministers in Geneva and firmly rejects any implication of involvement with the group, which operates far from Rwanda’s borders.
Rwanda’s government has made it clear that it is actively fighting extremist threats in Cabo Delgado, Mozambique, alongside local forces against similar ISIS-linked militant groups. The comments by Lord Collins have been condemned as irresponsible, misleading the public and aggravating tensions in ongoing African-led peace initiatives.
The recent diplomatic tensions arise amid the UK’s sanctions against individuals linked to Rwanda’s alleged support for the M23 rebellion in the DRC. These sanctions included military cooperation suspensions and increased diplomatic pressure on Kigali to disengage from M23 activities while promoting regional peace stability.
Although Lord Collins has privately acknowledged his comments as erroneous and promised to amend his statement in a letter to the House of Lords, Rwanda believes this response falls short. The Rwandan government has asked for a public correction and an official apology from the UK to combat misinformation and maintain diplomatic relations.
The Rwandan government has formally protested UK comments linking it to the ADF. This incident highlights growing diplomatic tensions between Rwanda and the UK, exacerbated by the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC. Rwanda continues to refute all allegations while calling for clarity from the UK government to preserve regional stability and counter misinformation.
Original Source: chimpreports.com
