Rwanda has rejected suggestions that it was actively involved militarily in what it sees as the real security challenges in the Great Lakes region.
This follows accusations made during the extraordinary summit of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) regarding its armed forces’ involvement in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) crisis.
In a statement issued Sunday, Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded to the resolutions adopted at the summit, held Friday in Harare under the chairmanship of Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, and focused on the worsening security situation in the DRC.
Regional leaders expressed deep concern over attacks by the M23 rebel group and the Rwanda Defense Forces (RDF) against Congolese government troops. Rwanda has categorically denied the allegations against its military.
In a communiqué obtained by APA, the Rwandan government stated that its forces are solely tasked with defending national borders and protecting civilian populations, not engaging in offensive operations.
Kigali also criticised the deployment of the SAMIDRC force, presented as a support mission for the Congolese government but, according to Rwanda, in reality a military coalition with complex motives.
The statement specifically pointed to the composition of this force, which, according to Kigali, includes Burundian troops, the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), and European mercenaries. The Rwandan ministry warned that such an intervention could further escalate existing tensions rather than resolve them.
Rwandan authorities further questioned the legitimacy of the intervention, arguing that SAMIDRC is, in fact, targeting local communities, many of whose members have already fled as refugees. Recent reports from Goma suggest preparations for attacks against Rwanda, extending beyond the original objective of countering the M23 movement.
Despite the mounting tensions, Rwanda maintains its diplomatic stance and remains open to a political solution. The country has welcomed the announcement of a joint summit between the East African Community (EAC) and SADC, reaffirming its commitment to dialogue and peaceful conflict resolution.
AC/sf/lb/as/APA