EU Diplomat Confronted Over Rwanda’s Role and Mercenaries in DR Congo Crisis

Former German ambassador Peter Fahrenholtz has questioned the European Union regarding accusations against Rwanda for supporting the M23 rebel group in the DR Congo. He noted the grievances of Congolese Tutsis and the involvement of European mercenaries alongside the Congolese army. Rwanda rejects these allegations and emphasizes the security threats posed by associated militia groups, urging for a more balanced understanding of the crisis.

The ongoing crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) has attracted scrutiny, particularly regarding the involvement of European mercenaries and Rwanda’s alleged support of the M23 rebel group. Peter Fahrenholtz, a former German ambassador to Rwanda, recently confronted Kaja Kallas, the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs. He expressed skepticism over claims that the M23 rebels are solely supported by Rwanda and argued that their grievances, as well as the persecution of Congolese Tutsis, deserve more attention.

Fahrenholtz questioned Kallas on several points, emphasizing that some M23 members are indeed citizens of the DRC. He raised concerns about the presence of approximately 2,000 Eastern European mercenaries assisting the Congolese army in the conflict against the M23 group, which underscores the complexity of the situation. The M23, seeking to protect the Congolese Tutsi community, is part of the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC), advocating against decades of persecution its members have faced.

Kallas had previously met with Rwanda’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Olivier Nduhungirehe, who firmly rejected accusations of Rwandan support for the rebels. Nduhungirehe highlighted Rwanda’s security concerns stemming from the collaboration of militia groups like the FDLR with the Congolese army and stressed that finger-pointing at Rwanda would not resolve the crisis. He criticized the EU’s approach, suggesting that the portrayal of Rwanda as the problem complicates efforts to find a solution to the ongoing conflict in eastern DR Congo.

The dialogue surrounding the DR Congo crisis reveals deep-seated complexities involving national security, ethnic tensions, and international accountability. Peter Fahrenholtz’s challenge to EU officials underscores the need for a comprehensive understanding of both the origins of the M23 rebellion and the broader implications of foreign involvement in regional conflicts. Rwanda’s dismissal of accusations regarding its role in the crisis highlights the detrimental effects of unilateral blame, advocating instead for a more nuanced approach in addressing the humanitarian and security concerns in the region.

Original Source: www.newtimes.co.rw