Rwanda Summons UK Envoy Over Misleading Comments on ADF

Rwanda has summoned UK High Commissioner Alison Thorpe over UK Minister Lord Collins’ comments linking Rwanda to the ADF terrorist group. The Rwandan government has rejected these claims, calling them false and dangerous, and has requested a public correction from the UK. This incident highlights rising tensions between Rwanda and Western powers regarding the DRC conflict.

The Rwandan government has summoned Alison Thorpe, the United Kingdom’s High Commissioner to Kigali, following remarks by UK Minister for Africa, Lord Collins of Highbury, made during a House of Lords session. These remarks inaccurately connected Rwanda to the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a terrorist organization linked to ISIS/Daesh operating in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda. Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation condemned these statements as “false, insulting, and dangerous.”

In discussions on February 26, Lord Collins noted that Rwanda’s Foreign Minister had denied the ADF accusations amid inquiries regarding an ADF attack on a church in the DRC. However, the Rwandan government refuted this statement, asserting that the ADF was not raised during the ministerial talks in Geneva. Furthermore, Rwanda denied any involvement with the ADF, emphasizing that it operates far from Rwanda’s borders.

Rwanda’s government highlighted its commitment to counterterrorism operations, particularly in Cabo Delgado, Mozambique, where Rwandan forces collaborate with Mozambican troops to combat militant groups associated with ISIS. Rwanda characterized Lord Collins’ statements as “dangerous and irresponsible,” claiming they mislead the public and strengthen propaganda efforts from the DRC, while undermining significant peace initiatives in Africa.

The recent diplomatic tensions follow actions from the UK against Rwanda, centered on alleged support for the M23 rebellion in eastern DRC. The UK has enacted targeted sanctions against individuals linked to these claims, halted military cooperation, and intensified diplomatic pressure on Kigali to withdraw from supporting the M23 and to foster regional peace.

Rwanda has firmly rebutted these allegations, stating that its legitimate actions are in defense against security threats from the FDLR and other hostile groups near its borders. Although Lord Collins has expressed privately that he made an error and has committed to rectifying the record in a letter, Rwanda considers this insufficient. The Rwandan government has formally requested a public correction and an official apology from the UK government to avert the spread of misinformation.

This controversy exemplifies the growing divide between Rwanda and Western nations regarding the escalating conflict in eastern DRC.

In summary, the Rwandan government has summoned the UK High Commissioner in response to misleading statements made by a UK Minister, denouncing these remarks as dangerous and unfounded. Kigali insists on a public correction and apology from the UK government to mitigate diplomatic tensions. The situation reflects broader challenges in Rwanda’s relations with Western powers amid increasing accusations related to the conflict in eastern DRC.

Original Source: chimpreports.com