The Government of Rwanda has expressed its concerns over the latest “dramatic military build-up” in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) condemning the international community’s indifference.
The statement issued Monday by the Ministry of Foreign affairs and International cooperation said that Hate speech and crude tribalism have become the currency of Congolese politics under the administration of [DR Congo] President Félix Tshisekedi, and ethnic discrimination and targeted arrests and killings have become routine.
According to the statement, FDLR [Rwandan Hutu rebels] is fully integrated into the Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC), as repeatedly documented by the UN Group of Experts.
““Taken together, these facts represent a serious threat to Rwanda’s national security. Because of that growing risk, Rwanda’s position is that the M23 issue must be resolved politically amongst Congolese,” reads part of the statement.
In addition, the Rwandan Government said it will not accept for the problem to be externalized into Rwanda, by force, once again.
The Congolese political and military leadership, including President Tshisekedi, have repeatedly declared their intention to invade Rwanda and change the country’s elected government by force.
Most recently, Congolese President Tshisekedi has threatened to attack Rwanda a number of times before, but has not yet followed through.
“Rwanda takes them at their word, and has adjusted our posture accordingly,” the statement said. “This includes measures to ensure complete air defence of Rwandan territory, and to degrade offensive air capabilities, following the introduction of advanced Chinese CH-4 attack drones by DRC in 2023, and repeated violations of Rwandan air space by Congolese fighter jets.” it said.
