KIGALI, Rwanda
Rwanda says it is putting troops by the border with Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on the alert following the escalation of tensions between the two countries, exacerbated by the expulsion of Rwanda’s envoy by Kinshasa.
In a statement issued by the
Government Spokesperson, Yolande Makolo, Rwanda said it noted with regret the
decision by the Government of the DRC to expel the Rwandan Ambassador Vincent
Karega on Saturday.
“Rwandan security forces at
our border with the DRC remain on alert, as we continue to monitor the
Congolese escalation,”
“Of particular concern is the
continued collusion between the Congolese armed forces with the FDLR, and their
attempts to target the border area with heavy weaponry, as well as the bellicose
anti-Rwanda rhetoric being broadcast by DRC officials,” the government
statement reads in part.
Rwanda said will continue to
bring to the attention of the international community the persistent hate
speech, public incitement and violent harassment against Rwandans and Congolese
Kinyarwanda-speaking communities in the DRC, carried out by Congolese officials
and the general public.
Government Spokesperson Yolande Makolo said Rwanda is watching closely DRC’S provocations |
“The integration of the FDLR
within the FARDC and their collaboration is directly linked to ever increasing
hate speech and violence in DRC against Rwandans and Kinyarwanda speaking
Congolese communities,”
“It is regrettable the
Government of the DRC continues to scapegoat Rwanda to cover up and distract
from their own governance and security failures,” the statement adds.
It added that Rwanda remains
committed to contributing to a sustainable, peaceful regional security solution
within the agreed regional frameworks, including the Luanda Roadmap and the
Nairobi Process.
The expulsion of Amb. Karega
followed humiliating defeat of FARDC by M23 which continues to capture
significant locations of North Kivu, threatening to advance towards Goma if
their positions continue to be attacked. - Africa
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