The DRC military rejected claims that 20 alleged Hutu rebels were captured and handed over to Rwanda, calling the event fake. The M23 armed group claimed these fighters were part of the FDLR militia, connected to the Rwandan genocide. Congolese authorities accused Rwanda of falsifying the incident and committing atrocities, with fears of escalating regional conflict.

On March 2, 2025, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) military refuted claims that 20 alleged Hutu rebels had been captured within its territory. They labeled a video showing the handover of these individuals to Rwandan forces as “faked.” The M23 group, which has been supported by Rwanda, falsely claimed the fighters belonged to the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a militia linked to the 1994 Rwandan genocide.

The DRC military asserted that this incident was an attempt by Rwanda to discredit their army and support their aggressive actions in eastern DRC, an area rich in resources. The M23 has reportedly taken control of key regions, including Goma and Bukavu. Congolese officials accused Rwanda of staging the handover using old detainees disguised as newly apprehended fighters.

Further, the DRC army accused Rwandan forces of committing atrocities, including summary executions of injured soldiers, labeling these actions as potential war crimes. The conflict in eastern DRC has heightened concerns about a possible broader regional conflict involving neighboring countries like Rwanda and Uganda, which could pose significant geopolitical risks.

In summary, the DRC military has contested the narrative of 20 alleged Hutu rebels being captured and handed over to Rwanda, claiming it was a staged event intended to undermine their credibility. This incident, alongside accusations of Rwandan war crimes, emphasizes the escalating tensions in a region already fraught with conflict, raising alarms about the prospects of wider warfare involving multiple nations.

Original Source: jordantimes.com