A recent United Nations report has revealed that between 3,000 and 4,000 Rwandan troops are actively supporting the M23 rebel group in eastern Congo. This presence, which has been described as systematic, is viewed by experts as a clear violation of Congo’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Rwandan forces have been crucial in helping M23 achieve significant territorial gains in North Kivu, an area plagued by violence from over 120 armed groups. “Rwanda’s de facto control over M23 operations makes them responsible for the actions of the rebel group,” said the UN experts in a detailed 293-page report submitted to the UN Security Council.
The conflict in Congo has worsened as M23 has seized key areas, including the city of Goma, triggering massive displacement of civilians. Despite accusations from Congo’s President Felix Tshisekedi and the international community, Rwanda denies these claims, although it has confirmed some military presence, citing security concerns along the border.
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The roots of the ongoing violence are linked to the 1994 Rwandan genocide, which led to thousands of Hutus fleeing to eastern Congo. The M23 group, largely composed of ethnic Tutsis, has been fighting to protect their interests, with tensions running high between Rwanda and Congo.
A diplomatic response from Rwanda’s Ambassador, Ernest Rwamucyo, painted the situation as an ethnic struggle, accusing armed groups of targeting Congolese Tutsis. He argued that the FDLR rebel group, composed of Hutus opposed to Rwanda’s Tutsi-led government, remains a significant threat to regional stability.
The experts’ report detailed how Rwanda’s military has provided advanced equipment, including short-range air defense systems, drones, and 120mm guided mortar shells, all in violation of a UN arms embargo. These capabilities have tipped the scales in favor of M23, hampering Congolese military efforts.
Bintou Keita, the UN’s top official in Congo, expressed deep concern over M23’s rapid territorial expansion and the ongoing humanitarian crisis. Despite a two-week truce in place, there has been no significant reduction in violence.
The report also touched on a new political-military movement, the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC), which failed to unite political and armed factions against the Congolese government. The ongoing instability continues to fuel fears of further escalation in the region.
