- President Paul Kagame separated Rwanda from the ongoing DRC, claiming that the crisis was fueled by the DRC itself, not Rwanda
- Kagame avoided questions about the presence of Rwandan troops in the DRC, claiming he did not know his statement but confirmed that Rwanda would protect itself
- Despite Kagame's denial, UN experts have estimated that 3,000 to 4,000 Rwandan troops have joined the M23 rebels in eastern DRC
- The head of state dismissed allegations that Rwanda was benefiting from the DRC, especially Coltan
Rwandan President Paul Kagame has separated his country from the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), claiming the crisis was fueled by the DRC itself.
Source: Getty Images
In an interview with Larry Madowo Of CNN, Kagame appeared to be avoided when asked if Rwandan troops were serving in the eastern DRC.
“This war, this fighting that has been going on since its inception, was caused by the DRC, not Rwanda. These people who fight, okay, for their rights, did not leave here, ” Kagame said.
When pressed to find out if the Rwandan forces are currently in the DRC, Kagame said he was unsure.
Surprised by the response, Kagame was reminded of his role as the Rwandan commander, meaning that he should have a full understanding of his army's behavior.
Kagame held that he did not know much, emphasizing that Rwanda would take concrete action if its security was threatened.
“I don't know, there are many things I don't know. But if you want to ask me, there is a problem in Congo that is about Rwanda, and that Rwanda would do anything to protect itself, say 100%,” The head of state added.
Despite Kagame's denial, the international community is left with doubts about Rwanda's role in the conflict.
UN experts estimate that between 3,000 and 4,000 Rwandan troops have joined the M23 rebels in eastern DRC, surpassing the rebels themselves.
Does Rwanda benefit from DRC mining
As tensions escalate in the area, Kagame refused to predict the possibility of a full regional war.
He suggested that DRC President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi was also opposed to war but was advised to follow the war path.
“I don't know. I don't think anyone is interested in the war. I don't even think Tshisekedi is interested in the war. But he is encouraged in that direction by people who come out to fight for his war,” Kagame argued.
He also spoke of the long -standing claim that Rwanda is gaining advantage from the mines being drained from the DRC, especially in Coltan, the essential minerals used in electronic devices.
Kagame denied the allegations directly, protesting to send the media to the place where Rwanda digs his Coltan.
“No, please, I welcome you, we'll show you when we dig a coltan. , ” He said.
At the same time, Kagame confirmed that he would attend a joint meeting of East African and South African leaders in the country Tanzania This Saturday, where the ongoing conflict is expected to dominate debates.
The Kenyan Embassy in the DRC will be burned
In other news, Congolese protesters burned foreign missions, including the Kenyan embassy in Kinshasa, following the exploration of the president William Ruto That he discussed the ongoing war in the eastern DRC with French President Emmanuel Macron.
Video The procession This sparked outrage among Kenyans, with many expressing their concerns and praying for the security of the embassy and other officials.
Speaking after the incident, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained that the DRC Congo had promised to address the damage.
Read English version
Do you have an exciting information that you would like to publish? Please, contact us via news@tuko.co.ke or WhatsApp: 0732482690.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
