Kagame dismisses accusations of supporting M23 rebels
Rwandan President Paul Kagame yesterday rebuffed allegations of Rwanda's support for the M23 rebels in the eastern DR Congo, emphasizing that the group is fighting for the rights of the Tutsi community in the region.
Responding to accusations leveled against Rwanda by the DR Congo and other parties, President Kagame asserted,
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"The world should focus on understanding who the M23 are and why they are fighting, rather than implicating Rwanda in the narrative."
He emphasized the importance of addressing the grievances of the Tutsi community in eastern DR Congo, who have faced marginalization and persecution.
"The M23 movement is born out of the infringement on the rights of Tutsi communities in eastern DR Congo, who are Congolese but have been sidelined and dispersed as refugees," Kagame explained.
He urged those who do not support the M23 to recognize their responsibility in addressing the plight of displaced Congolese citizens.
The M23 rebellion traces its origins back to April 4, 2012, when nearly 300 soldiers, primarily former members of the National Congress for the Defence of the People (CNDP), revolted against the Congolese government.
Citing poor conditions in the army and the government's failure to implement the 23 March 2009 peace agreement, the rebels formed the M23 movement.
President Kagame's remarks come amidst ongoing accusations against Rwanda for backing the M23 rebels, who have been accused of creating instability and displacing communities in eastern DR Congo.
However, Kagame's stance highlights the need to address the underlying grievances driving the conflict in the region.
"We must seek solutions that address the root causes of conflict and injustice, rather than assigning blame," President Kagame said.
