Rwanda Defends Its Involvement In DRC

Rwanda has defended its involvement in the ongoing security operation in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), terming it a defensive measure over serious threats along its border.
Responding to a summon by the British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), Rwanda argued that their operations follow the escalating security risks, particularly after the recent attacks on the Rubavu border town on January 26. This attack, which followed the fall of Goma, it said, resulted in 16 fatalities and 177 civilian casualties within Rwanda’s borders.
“Rwanda continues to face existential security from DRC-backed FDLR, genocidal militia which was involved in the shelling incident in June 2022, just weeks before the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Kigali,” the statement from Rwandan High Commission reads.
In a statement dated February 18, the UK condemned the advances of the Rwandan Defence Force (RDF) and M23 in eastern DRC.
FCDO spokesperson said that the advances constituted an unacceptable violation of DRC’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Government of Rwanda was therefore called on to immediately withdraw all Rwanda Defence Force troops from Congolese territory.
“We urge Rwanda to immediately cease all hostilities and return to dialogue through African-led peace processes.”
Rwanda has however maintained that FDLR, supported by the Congolese government, remains a major destabilising force in the region.It has defended itself as a committed contributor to UN peacekeeping missions, with a reputation for adhering to the highest standards of conduct and operational integrity.