They were on the brink of conflict: Tensions with Rwanda escalate as civil war intensifies in Congo
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has recalled its diplomats from Rwanda, citing the country's support for rebel groups. As the civil war in the country has gained momentum in recent weeks, rebel groups have seized control of several critical regions.
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Rebel groups in Congo launched attacks in recent weeks and seized several strategic regions. The DRC has ordered all diplomats in Rwanda to leave the country within 48 hours, citing Rwanda's support for rebel groups in the country.
In a statement from the DRC Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it was noted that a diplomatic note was sent to the Rwandan government, demanding that the Rwandan Embassy in Kinshasa cease all diplomatic and consular activities within 48 hours.
The statement reported that all diplomats serving at the DRC Embassy in Kigali were recalled on January 25.
Rwandan Government Spokesperson Alain Mukuralinda described the DRC's decision as 'a step that does not aim to improve the situation and only serves to increase tensions.'
The M23, also known as the 'Congolese Revolutionary Army,' which emerged following the collapse of the peace agreement signed on March 23, 2009, is composed of Tutsis, the same tribe as Paul Kagame, who leads Rwanda. The DRC alleges that the M23 is supported by Rwanda.
Rwandan President Paul Kagame
REBELS ADVANCE IN CONGO
Violent clashes are taking place between security forces and members of the rebel group known as the March 23 Movement (M23), which has seized control of many strategically important locations in the eastern part of the DRC in recent weeks.
It is stated that more than 400 thousand people have been displaced since the beginning of the year due to the ongoing violent clashes between rebel groups and security forces in the eastern DRC.
Increasing their attacks in recent weeks, M23 members have taken control of many villages and towns in the region.
DISPUTES BETWEEN RWANDA AND CONGO
The M23 is at the forefront of the main reasons for the current crisis between the DRC and Rwanda. The M23, which resumed attacks in the eastern DRC in November 2021, has caused thousands of civilians to flee and led to widespread destruction.
DRC President Felix Tshisekedi accused Rwanda of supporting the M23 in a statement made in May 2022, while Rwandan President Paul Kagame denied the allegations.
In response to Rwanda, the DRC decided to expel the Rwandan Ambassador in October 2022.
On January 19, 2023, Rwanda accused the DRC of preparing for war by recruiting foreign mercenaries, and on January 24, 2023, it shot down a DRC fighter jet that had violated its airspace 3 times.
In contrast, on January 31, 2024, the DRC expelled 2 Rwandan soldiers serving in North Kivu under the East African Community for 'security reasons.'
According to United Nations (UN) data, at least 7 million 300 thousand people have been displaced so far due to the wars and ethnic tensions that have been ongoing in Congo for years. At the same time, more than 25 million people are unable to access clean food.