Kabarebe Asserts Unique Challenges of DR Congo Crisis Compared to Ukraine

Gen (Rtd) James Kabarebe met with EU Special Envoy Johan Borgstam to discuss the DR Congo conflict. Kabarebe argued that the situation in DR Congo is not comparable to Ukraine and highlighted the FDLR militia’s role. He emphasized Rwanda’s security concerns and criticized the influence of EU domestic politics on foreign policy, calling for accountability and cooperation in peace efforts.

On February 27, 2023, Gen (Rtd) James Kabarebe, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in Charge of Regional Cooperation, engaged in a productive discussion with Johan Borgstam, the European Union (EU) Special Envoy for the Great Lakes region, during his working visit to Kigali. The conversation centered on the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo), particularly regarding the government’s confrontation with AFC/M23 rebel forces.

During the meeting, Kabarebe emphasized that the crisis in DR Congo cannot be compared to the conflict in Ukraine, asserting that such comparisons are politically motivated distractions from the fundamental issues at hand. He specifically pointed out the influence of the FDLR genocidal militia as a significant factor in the ongoing turmoil in eastern DR Congo.

The Minister highlighted the historical context of ongoing insecurity in the eastern DR Congo, noting various challenges, including the presence of more than 200 armed groups, persecution of the Tutsi community, and the actions of the FDLR. He indicated that individuals involved in these challenges must be held accountable for their actions.

Furthermore, Kabarebe warned of the existential threat posed to Rwanda by the situation in the DR Congo, citing coalitions comprising the Congolese armed forces, the FDLR, and other foreign entities. He emphasized the need for security guarantees from foreign forces near Rwanda’s borders and a resolution of the M23 issue.

Rwanda’s military sovereignty, Kabarebe argued, has been violated numerous times, necessitating defensive measures until these threats are fully resolved. He expressed regret that the EU’s foreign policy is sometimes swayed by internal politics and interests rather than factual evidence.

Kabarebe criticized the tendency of the DR Congo to mislead the international community regarding sanctions against Rwanda, attributing deeper governance failures to the turmoil present within DR Congo. He urged EU member states to contribute positively to regional peace initiatives and to avoid the entanglement of political interests in security matters.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the complex dynamics surrounding the DR Congo crisis and the broader implications for regional security, stressing the importance of addressing root causes rather than yielding to politically driven narratives.

The discussions between Gen (Rtd) James Kabarebe and EU Special Envoy Johan Borgstam reflect a nuanced understanding of the DR Congo crisis, asserting that it is fundamentally different from the Ukraine conflict. Kabarebe’s emphasis on internal governance issues, the threats posed by armed groups, and regional security underscored the challenges that require focused solutions devoid of political distractions. His call for accountability, combined with a plea for constructive engagement from the EU, sets a foundation for potential peace-building efforts in the region.

Original Source: www.newtimes.co.rw