WASHINGTON: The United States has accused Rwanda of involvement in a deadly attack on a camp for displaced persons in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo). However, Rwanda swiftly dismissed the claims as “ridiculous” on Saturday.
The attack occurred on Friday in the Mugunga camp on the outskirts of Goma, resulting in the tragic loss of at least nine lives, according to local sources.
State Department spokesman Matthew Miller issued a statement condemning the attack, attributing it to “Rwanda Defense Forces and M23 positions” in the region. Miller expressed grave concern over the expansion of Rwandan forces and the resurgence of the M23, a predominantly Tutsi group that reignited its armed campaign in DR Congo in 2021.
Furthermore, Miller emphasized the importance of upholding sovereignty and territorial integrity, urging accountability for all actors involved in human rights abuses in the conflict-ridden eastern region of DR Congo.
DR Congo government spokesman Patrick Muyaya had also pointed fingers at “the Rwandan army and its M23 terrorist supporters” in a previous statement.
However, Rwandan government spokesperson Yolande Makolo swiftly rebuffed the accusations, labeling them as “absurd” and redirecting blame towards other armed groups operating in the region, such as the FDLR and Wazalendo, allegedly supported by the Congolese armed forces (FARDC).
The origin of Friday’s blasts remains unclear, with conflicting reports from witnesses suggesting retaliatory actions between government forces and rebel groups.
The United States has a history of supporting DR Congo’s claims of Rwandan support for the M23 rebel group. This recent statement by the US State Department represents a notable escalation in direct implications against Rwanda.
French President Emmanuel Macron recently urged Rwanda to cease its backing of M23 rebels and withdraw its troops from DR Congo territory.
