Rwandan President Paul Kagame denied knowledge of Rwandan troops in the DRC amid rising tensions from conflict with the M23 rebel group. He described the situation as a security concern for Rwanda, labeled the FDLR group a major threat, and stated that Rwanda will take necessary actions for its protection. Kagame also dismissed comparisons to Putin’s actions in Ukraine.
In an exclusive CNN interview, Rwandan President Paul Kagame expressed uncertainty about the presence of Rwandan troops in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where conflicts between Congolese soldiers and the M23 rebel group have resulted in over 700 deaths recently. International observers suggest that Rwanda supports the M23 rebels, with reports indicating that 3,000 to 4,000 Rwandan soldiers are aiding in the conflict.
Despite being commander-in-chief of the Rwandan Defence Force, Kagame stated, “I don’t know” when asked about Rwandan soldiers in the DRC. He acknowledged concerns connected to security issues affecting Rwanda and emphasized the need for self-protection. Kagame affirmed, “There are many things I don’t know” but stressed that Rwanda would defend itself.
Comparisons drawn between Kagame and Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding foreign military support were dismissed by Kagame. He noted, “There will be so many stories” about him but focused on Rwanda’s necessity to survive geopolitical challenges. He also labeled the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) as an “existential threat” to Rwanda and accused it of integration with Congolese armed forces.
Kagame maintained that Rwanda would take any necessary action to safeguard its territory and reiterated that neither the UN nor the international community would act on Rwanda’s behalf. “Nobody is going to do it for us,” he declared, indicating a clear stance on national self-defense. When pressed on troop deployment, he reiterated that Rwanda’s priority is its own survival, prompting readers to interpret his responses accordingly.
Rwanda’s involvement in the DRC has a complicated history, with tensions often arising from armed groups operating along the border. The M23 group has been tied to Rwandan support, raising concerns in the region and drawing scrutiny from the international community. The FDLR, another armed group, poses significant threats to Rwanda’s security. Amidst ongoing violence, Rwanda emphasizes its right to protect its national interests and security against external threats in a volatile regional landscape.
In summary, President Kagame’s responses during the interview underscore Rwanda’s defensive posture amid ongoing conflicts in the DRC, highlighting the complex dynamics involving local armed groups and regional security concerns. His uncertain claim regarding Rwandan troop presence illustrates a deliberate ambiguity while reinforcing Rwanda’s commitment to self-defense without reliance on international assistance.
Original Source: www.cnn.com
