Rwanda's President Paul Kagame Seeks Peace in Eastern Congo.
Rwandan President Paul Kagame pledged to work with other nations toward peace in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. He shared this commitment on X after meeting with Angola's President João Lourenço.
"I had a productive conversation with President João Lourenço about finding a lasting solution in the DRC," Kagame stated. He emphasized their shared goal of strengthening bilateral ties.
The announcement followed a heated exchange with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. The dispute centered on Rwanda's alleged involvement in recent attacks. Ramaphosa reported that M23 rebels and Rwandan forces had attacked Congolese troops and South African peacekeepers, resulting in 13 South African casualties.
Ramaphosa defended South Africa's presence in the DRC as a United Nations peacekeeping mission aimed at protecting civilians. Kagame rejected these claims, calling them "distorted" and "false."
The Rwandan leader clarified several points. He stated that Rwanda's military is not a militia. He disputed the peacekeeping status of the SADC Mission (SAMIDRC), describing it instead as a combat force. According to Kagame, SAMIDRC replaced the East African Community Regional Force, disrupting ongoing peace talks.
Kagame criticized SAMIDRC's role, accusing it of supporting groups hostile to Rwanda. He questioned South Africa's ability to serve as a mediator in the conflict. "If South Africa wants peace, that's good. But they cannot act as peacemakers here," he stated.
The situation remains tense. M23 rebels have captured Goma city, forcing many residents to flee their homes.
Rwandan President Paul Kagame pledged to work with other nations toward peace in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. He shared this commitment on X after meeting with Angola's President João Lourenço.
"I had a productive conversation with President João Lourenço about finding a lasting solution in the DRC," Kagame stated. He emphasized their shared goal of strengthening bilateral ties.
The announcement followed a heated exchange with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. The dispute centered on Rwanda's alleged involvement in recent attacks. Ramaphosa reported that M23 rebels and Rwandan forces had attacked Congolese troops and South African peacekeepers, resulting in 13 South African casualties.
Ramaphosa defended South Africa's presence in the DRC as a United Nations peacekeeping mission aimed at protecting civilians. Kagame rejected these claims, calling them "distorted" and "false."
The Rwandan leader clarified several points. He stated that Rwanda's military is not a militia. He disputed the peacekeeping status of the SADC Mission (SAMIDRC), describing it instead as a combat force. According to Kagame, SAMIDRC replaced the East African Community Regional Force, disrupting ongoing peace talks.
Kagame criticized SAMIDRC's role, accusing it of supporting groups hostile to Rwanda. He questioned South Africa's ability to serve as a mediator in the conflict. "If South Africa wants peace, that's good. But they cannot act as peacemakers here," he stated.
The situation remains tense. M23 rebels have captured Goma city, forcing many residents to flee their homes.
