DR Congo Denies Allegations of Captured Hutu Rebels

DR Congo’s military denies capturing 20 alleged FDLR fighters, calling evidence faked. M23 group, supported by Rwanda, claimed responsibility for the capture. Tensions in eastern DRC are escalating, with fears of a regional conflict involving surrounding nations.

Kinshasa – The Democratic Republic of Congo’s military publicly refuted claims on Sunday that twenty fighters, allegedly connected to the Rwandan genocide, had been apprehended within its borders. They dismissed a video showcasing the supposed handover of these individuals to Rwanda as “faked.” This assertion arose following statements from the M23 armed group, which is supported by Rwanda and claims to have captured members of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) militia in eastern DRC, a group formed by Hutu extremists involved in the 1994 genocide.

The M23, backed by Rwanda, has made considerable territorial gains in eastern DRC in recent months, including control over significant locations such as Goma and Bukavu. The group released a video depicting the handover of the alleged FDLR fighters to Rwandan authorities at a border point. The Congolese military leadership characterized this as a poorly coordinated effort to undermine the credibility of their forces, stating, “This is a faked incident in poor taste orchestrated with the sole aim of discrediting our army.”

The Congolese command further implicated Rwandan officials in a systematic strategy to legitimize an ongoing incursion into DRC territory. They asserted, “The Rwandan authorities, who specialize in the art of lies and manipulation, took old FDLR detainees, dressed them in new military fatigues, and passed them off as FDLR fighters newly captured in Goma.” In addition, the DRC accused the Rwandan army of severe misconduct, including summary executions of wounded and ill personnel at a Goma field hospital, which they classified as potential war crimes. This rising tension in eastern DRC has led to concerns about the possibility of a more extensive regional conflict involving Rwanda, Uganda, and neighboring nations.

In summary, the Democratic Republic of Congo’s military has firmly rejected claims regarding the capture of FDLR fighters, describing the associated video as a fabrication. The M23 group’s actions and Rwanda’s involvement continue to exacerbate conflict in the region, heightening fears of a broader war that includes various regional powers.

Original Source: jordantimes.com