A United Nations report has accused Rwanda of deploying 3,000 to 4,000 troops in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to support the M23 rebel group. This revelation comes as tensions escalate in the region, with the M23 making significant advances against the Congolese military, leading to a worsening humanitarian crisis. The UN experts describe Rwanda’s involvement as a violation of DRC’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and they label Rwanda as the “de facto” leader of the M23 operations.
According to the 293-page report, the Rwandan forces’ involvement goes beyond mere support, encompassing direct and decisive participation in the conflict. Uganda is also implicated in the report, accused of aiding M23 movements and allowing the rebels to operate from its territory. Both Rwanda and Uganda have denied these allegations. Rwanda has admitted to having troops in eastern Congo for its security but denies supporting M23. Uganda’s deputy military spokesman dismissed the report’s findings as false.
Eastern Congo has long been plagued by violence, with over 120 armed groups vying for control over land and mineral resources. The M23, primarily composed of ethnic Tutsis, first emerged in 2012 and has been accused of committing numerous atrocities. Despite being defeated in 2013, the group resurfaced three years ago and now controls large areas of North Kivu province. The ongoing conflict has displaced approximately three million people.
#Congo: M23 rebels in the North Kivu village of Nyamitaba have released footage claimed to show government troops and weapons captured during fighting on Thursday. M23 is a ethnic Tutsi majority insurgent group that has fought the Congolese government since 2012.
(via @war_noir) pic.twitter.com/ZtmUJ64URg
— Popular Front (@PopularFront_) February 6, 2023
The report also highlights the involvement of Burundi’s military in operations against M23 and Rwandan soldiers, further complicating the regional dynamics. Congolese Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner expressed concern over the alleged collusion between the Ugandan army, M23, and Rwandan military, indicating that these issues would be addressed with Uganda.
The situation in eastern DRC has drawn significant international attention, with experts warning of the potential for a wider regional conflict. Valtino Omolo, a researcher at the Institute for Strategic Studies, suggested that the UN report could lead to increased international actions against Rwanda, such as economic and diplomatic sanctions.
UN experts noted that Rwanda’s support for M23 and the rebels’ control over territories in North Kivu have resulted in a parallel administration being established, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. Both the M23 and Congolese forces have been accused of human rights abuses, including the torture and execution of civilians perceived as supporting their opponents.
#Congo: Soldiers from the Congolese military photographed in North Kivu province, where they deployed to fight against the #Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group.
📸: Hugh Kinsella Cunningham pic.twitter.com/ftuhcX6iWl
— Popular Front (@PopularFront_) April 7, 2023
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