Rwandan President Paul Kagame rejects claims linking Rwanda’s army to massacres in eastern DRC, blaming local militias instead.
Kagame Rejects Claims of Rwanda’s Role in Congo Massacres
Kigali, Rwanda — President Paul Kagame has strongly denied allegations that Rwanda’s military was behind the latest massacres in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Addressing senior army and police officers in Kigali on Tuesday, Kagame blamed the violence on Congo-based armed groups.
“These killings are the work of the FDLR, the pro-Congo militia Wazalendo, and even elements of the Congolese army itself,” Kagame said.
Rwanda’s Longstanding Defense
Kinshasa has repeatedly accused Kigali of supporting the M23 rebels, a charge Rwanda rejects. Kigali insists that instability in eastern Congo is fueled by local militias and weak governance, not by foreign interference.
Kagame’s remarks reinforce Rwanda’s position that its army is not responsible for the bloodshed. Instead, he pointed to Congo’s complex web of militias, many with roots dating back to the aftermath of the 1994 Rwandan genocide.
Regional Pressure Mounts
The renewed violence has drawn concern from the United Nations, the African Union, and neighboring states. Mediators are urging both Kigali and Kinshasa to return to peace talks to de-escalate tensions.
Eastern DRC remains one of Africa’s most volatile regions, with more than 100 armed groups operating despite decades of regional and international peace efforts.
