Rwandan President Kagame Denies Knowledge of Troops in DRC Amid Escalating Conflict
Rwandan President Paul Kagame has sparked controversy by claiming he does not know if his country’s troops are present in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where violent clashes between the M23 rebel group and Congolese soldiers have resulted in over 900 deaths and thousands of injuries in recent days. Despite being the commander-in-chief of the Rwandan Defence Force, Kagame denied any direct knowledge of Rwandan military presence in the DRC during an exclusive interview with CNN. When pressed on the matter, he stated, “I don’t know,” and redirected the conversation to Rwanda’s broader security concerns. “If you want to ask me, is there a problem in Congo that concerns Rwanda? And that Rwanda would do anything to protect itself? I’d say 100%,” Kagame emphasized. His remarks have fueled skepticism among the international community, which largely believes that Rwanda is supporting the M23 rebels.
M23 Rebels and Rwanda: A Web of Denials and Allegations
The M23 rebel group, which recently claimed to have captured the strategic city of Goma in eastern Congo, has also denied receiving any support from Rwanda. Victor Tesongo, a spokesperson for the M23, dismissed allegations of Rwandan backing as “a manipulation of public opinion to disqualify us.” Tesongo instead shifted focus to Rwanda’s alleged concerns about the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a group allied with the Congolese government that Rwanda views as a threat to its security. However, these denials contradict reports from UN experts, who estimate that 3,000 to 4,000 Rwandan soldiers are operating in the DRC, effectively outnumbering the M23 fighters they are reportedly supporting.
DRC Accuses Rwanda of Military Presence, Citing International Consensus
The Democratic Republic of Congo has flatly rejected Kagame’s claims of ignorance regarding Rwandan troops in its territory. DRC Communications Minister Patrick Muyaya told CNN that Rwanda’s military presence in the eastern DRC is well-documented, stating, “Kagame is the only voice denying this.” Muyaya pointed to recent confirmations from the UN Group of Experts, the UN Security Council, the UN Secretary-General, and regional bodies like the Southern African Development Community (SADC), all of which have acknowledged Rwanda’s involvement. “The overwhelming international consensus leaves no doubt,” Muyaya added, underscoring the widespread belief that Rwanda is actively involved in the conflict.
Kagame Draws Comparisons to Putin, Defends Rwanda’s Actions
During the CNN interview, Kagame was compared to Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has been accused of backing separatist forces in Ukraine. Kagame dismissed the analogy, saying, “There will be so many stories,” and added that he cannot “stop people from saying whatever they want to say.” His response reflects a broader defiance in the face of international criticism. Kagame repeatedly emphasized Rwanda’s commitment to self-preservation, stating, “We have to do what we have to do… we have to make sure we survive any storm that blows across our country.” He also described the FDLR as an “existential threat” to Rwanda, alleging that the group is integrated into the Congolese armed forces and possibly backed by other regional governments.
The Escalating Conflict and Its Regional Implications
The conflict between Rwanda and the DRC has intensified in recent weeks, particularly following the M23’s advance into Goma. Rwandan government spokesperson Yolande Makolo reported that at least 16 people in Rwanda have been killed by shelling from the fighting in Goma. Meanwhile, DRC President Félix Tshisekedi has vowed “a vigorous and coordinated response” to the M23, labeling the group as Rwanda’s “puppet.” The M23 rebels, however, have expanded their ambitions, stating their intention to overthrow Tshisekedi and install a new administration capable of addressing the grievances of the Congolese people. Their spokesperson, Tesongo, declared, “Effectively, our struggle cannot be limited to Goma. The objective remains to overthrow Tshisekedi and to install a new leadership capable of finding solutions to the problems faced by our people.”
Kagame’s Defiance and the Human Cost of the Conflict
Despite mounting international pressure, Kagame remains steadfast in his stance, refusing to provide clarity on Rwanda’s involvement in the DRC. When asked if he was sending troops to the DRC, he cryptically replied, “Read whatever you want to read from what I’m telling you,” while reiterating Rwanda’s commitment to self-protection. The conflict has already exacted a devastating toll on civilians, with the United Nations reporting that at least 900 bodies have been recovered from the streets of Goma since the violence erupted. As the situation continues to deteriorate, the international community is urging restraint and diplomacy to prevent further escalation. However, with both sides dug in and accusations flying, the path to peace remains uncertain.
