M23 Leaders and Majority of Their Fighters Came from Uganda, Says Kagame

Summary:

• President Paul Kagame addressed the complexities of the conflict in Eastern Congo, emphasizing its roots in colonial history, regional instability, and international influences. He refuted allegations that Rwanda supports the M23 group, highlighting that its leaders and fighters primarily came from Uganda. Kagame criticized the persecution of Rwandan-speaking Congolese and questioned the role of the international community in addressing the crisis.

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President Paul Kagame of Rwanda has articulated a comprehensive analysis of the ongoing crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), particularly focusing on the M23 rebellion.

Historical Roots of the Crisis

President Kagame emphasized that the conflict in Eastern Congo is not an isolated issue but a symptom of deeper historical and structural problems. He traced its origins back to colonial times, highlighting how the arbitrary drawing of borders and colonial policies sowed seeds of discord that continue to affect the region. These historical injustices, coupled with the DRC’s internal governance challenges, have perpetuated instability.

“The problem has roots in the history of that country, our region, and our continent,” Kagame stated, pointing to the broader implications of the crisis beyond Eastern Congo.

Clarifying Rwanda’s Role

Addressing accusations of Rwanda’s involvement in supporting M23, Kagame categorically refuted the claims. He explained that the leaders and majority of M23 fighters originated from Uganda, where they had sought refuge following previous conflicts in 2012 and 2013. Rwanda’s involvement, he argued, has been limited to hosting refugees fleeing persecution and violence in the DRC.

“Why do we have over 100,000 refugees here in Rwanda?” Kagame asked rhetorically. “Is it because Rwanda wants refugees? No, they came here fleeing persecution.”

He further noted that the Congolese government itself has admitted that many of the M23 fighters are Congolese nationals, complicating accusations of foreign interference.

Double Standards and Misplaced Blame

Kagame criticized the international community and certain Congolese leaders for their selective narratives. He argued that the focus on Rwanda’s alleged role in the conflict diverts attention from the real issues—the internal governance failures and the presence of numerous armed groups within the DRC, many of which have no ties to Rwanda.

“How does the fighting in Eastern Congo become Rwanda’s problem?” Kagame questioned. “The hundreds of groups fighting there have nothing to do with Rwanda.”

He also pointed to the international community’s tolerance of groups like the FDLR (Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda), which include perpetrators of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi. These groups have operated in the DRC for decades, posing a significant security threat to Rwanda.

President Kagame called for an honest and unified approach to address the root causes of the conflict. He highlighted the role of powerful nations and international organizations in perpetuating instability through selective intervention and a failure to address underlying issues. According to Kagame, sustainable peace requires acknowledging these realities and fostering genuine collaboration among regional and international stakeholders.

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