Kigali has called on Burundi to end what it describes as the country’s direct involvement in the ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), arguing that such actions are undermining regional security and peace efforts.
The statement was made by Rwanda’s representative during a session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, where Kigali accused Burundian troops of operating alongside the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC) and the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), an armed group that Rwanda says includes individuals responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Rwanda said Burundi’s continued military engagement in eastern DRC is contributing to instability in the Great Lakes region and called on Bujumbura to halt its involvement and instead support diplomatic initiatives aimed at achieving a lasting peace.
Kigali reiterated that the security crisis in eastern DRC cannot be resolved through military means alone, stressing the need to dismantle all armed groups, particularly the FDLR, and to fully implement regional and international peace agreements.
For its part, Burundi has consistently maintained that its military presence in the DRC is based on bilateral security agreements with the Congolese government and is intended to combat armed groups operating in the region. Bujumbura has also rejected Rwanda’s accusations, insisting that it has no intention of threatening Rwanda’s security.
Rwanda’s latest remarks come at a time of continued tensions among countries in the Great Lakes region, despite ongoing diplomatic efforts led by regional and international partners to restore peace and stability in eastern DRC.
Political analysts say achieving lasting peace will require cooperation among all regional stakeholders, implementation of existing peace agreements, and addressing the underlying security concerns raised by the parties involved. They warn that continued exchanges of accusations between neighbouring states could complicate ongoing peace initiatives.
Mwizerwa Ally
Rwandatribune.rw
