DRC Military Denies Rwanda’s Claims on FDLR Leader’s Capture

The FARDC has rejected Rwanda’s claims regarding the arrest of FDLR Commander Ezéchiel Gakwerere, labeling it a staged operation designed to justify Rwanda’s aggression. They pointed out inconsistencies in the capture narrative and alleged deception in presenting former prisoners as FDLR fighters. The situation reflects deeper geopolitical tensions between the DRC and Rwanda amidst ongoing instability in the region.

The Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) have categorically denied claims by Rwanda concerning the arrest and repatriation of FDLR Commander Ezéchiel Gakwerere and 14 other alleged FDLR personnel. They labeled the situation a “staged operation” orchestrated to validate Rwanda’s aggressive actions against the DRC.

The statement originated following announcements from the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) and M23 rebels about the purported capture of Commander Gakwerere, also known as Sibo Stany. According to the RDF, these individuals were handed over to Rwandan officials at the Grande Barrière border post in Rubavu.

FARDC Spokesperson General-Major Ekenge Bomusa Efomi Sylvain declared, “This action is a poorly executed fabrication aimed at discrediting our army and the SADC forces,” asserting that it reflects Rwanda’s ongoing strategy to rationalize its invasion of Congolese territory.

The FARDC further questioned the genuineness of the repatriation, indicating discrepancies within the list of captured fighters. Notably, they highlighted that one alleged FDLR member, Patrick Ishimwe, had previously been featured in Rwandan media as far back as January 22, 2025, complicating the narrative.

The FARDC accused Rwandan authorities of deception, suggesting that they may have dressed former FDLR inmates from Gitarama Central Prison in new FARDC uniforms to falsely claim that they were captured FDLR combatants from Goma. The RDF, however, maintained that the alleged fighters had been collaborating with FARDC and other groups.

Allegations have surfaced that the DRC military’s claims align with a broader Rwandan geopolitical strategy aimed at legitimizing its ongoing military presence in eastern Congo. The FARDC accused Gakwerere, whose name allegedly appears in conjunction with Rwandan President Paul Kagame, of orchestrating massacres against Congolese civilians.

The Congolese military categorically dismissed any association between their forces and FDLR rebels. They assert that such claims serve only as a pretext for Rwanda to sustain its military involvement and bolster M23 activities.

Additionally, the Congolese military accuses the Rwandan army of war crimes, specifically citing the execution of sick and wounded Congolese soldiers at Katindo Military Hospital in Goma, declaring, “This act constitutes a war crime and a crime against humanity, which will not go unpunished.”

These recent developments occur amidst rising tensions between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, particularly as M23 insurgent activities continue to disrupt stability in North Kivu. The Rwandan government maintains it seeks to eliminate genocidal militia like the FDLR, while Kinshasa views M23 as a proxy for Rwandan territorial ambitions.

In conclusion, the FARDC has strongly refuted Rwanda’s claims regarding the arrest of FDLR leader Gakwerere, branding it a fabricated operation aimed at justifying Rwanda’s aggressive posture toward the DRC. This incident underscores the complexities and accusatory nature of the current conflict between the two nations, amid ongoing rebel activities in eastern Congo, highlighting the dire need for resolution and accountability amidst escalating tensions.

Original Source: chimpreports.com