DR Congo Accuses Rwanda of Staging Capture of Genocide Linked Fighters

The Democratic Republic of Congo has accused Rwanda of faking videos that claim to show newly captured FDLR rebels, asserting that the footage is fabricated. The M23, backed by Rwanda, is advancing in eastern DR Congo, causing a significant humanitarian crisis. President Tshisekedi’s government faces accusations of orchestrating violence, while calls for a ceasefire and withdrawal of rebel forces have been issued by the African Union and the United Nations.

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) has accused Rwanda of staging a video that purportedly shows prisoners dressed as fighters linked to the 1994 genocide. The conflict arises as Rwanda-backed M23 rebels claim to have captured members of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a militia founded by Hutu militants involved in the genocide against Tutsis. The Congolese military labeled the video as fabricated, asserting that it showcased old FDLR captives dressed in new military uniforms to mislead the public regarding their capture.

Since January, M23 fighters have been advancing through eastern DR Congo, taking control of significant cities like Bukavu and Goma, leading to a humanitarian crisis which has displaced approximately 500,000 individuals, as reported by the United Nations. The Congolese military stated that the absent presence of legitimate FDLR captives illustrates Rwanda’s strategy to justify its military involvement in DR Congo, while relying on false claims of FDLR activity.

Rwanda’s involvement in eastern Congo has continued to provoke tensions, with officials previously denying support for M23, despite the presence of FDLR forces being used to legitimize military actions in the region. United Nations experts estimate that between 3,000 and 4,000 Rwandan troops currently operate within DR Congo’s territory. The Congolese military has also been implicated in using various armed groups, including the FDLR, as proxies against M23.

The Rwandan genocide, which occurred in 1994, resulted in the deaths of approximately 800,000 individuals predominantly from the Tutsi community. Following this tragedy, many Hutu militants, including members of the FDLR, fled to what is now DR Congo. Paul Kagame, the leader of Rwanda who led the Tutsi forces that ended the genocide, perceives these remnants as a present-day threat to his nation’s security.

Recently, violence erupted during a rally featuring rebel leaders in Bukavu, marking a significant escalation in the conflict. The M23 had previously claimed control of Bukavu from government forces amid rapid advances in the area. During the rally, images circulating on social media depicted chaos, as gunfire and explosions erupted, resulting in alarming scenes of destruction.

The rally was addressed by Corneille Nangaa, leader of an alliance that includes the M23. Nangaa and his allies accused President Felix Tshisekedi’s administration of orchestrating the violent incident. In contrast, President Tshisekedi attributed the turmoil to a foreign military presence in the eastern region. Both the African Union and the United Nations have called for an immediate ceasefire and the withdrawal of rebels from occupied territories.

In summary, conflict between DR Congo and Rwanda has escalated with accusations over fabricated videos and military buildups in eastern DR Congo. The humanitarian crisis intensifies as M23 rebels advance, revealing deep-seated issues extending from the historical genocide. The tension highlights the complexities of regional security and the need for intervention from international organizations to stabilize the situation.

Original Source: www.bbc.com