BUJUMBURA/KINSHASA/KYIV — Russia has accused Ukraine of providing support to the M23 armed group operating in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, a claim that has added a new dimension to the international debate surrounding the conflict in the region.
The allegations emerged after Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, during a visit to Burundi, reportedly told President Évariste Ndayishimiye that Moscow had information suggesting that the Ukrainian government could be cooperating with M23.
Neither the Ukrainian government nor the AFC/M23 movement has publicly commented on the allegations made by Lavrov.
Political and security analysts say that, so far, no independent evidence has been presented publicly confirming that Ukraine is providing military, financial or logistical support to M23.
The accusations come as fighting continues in eastern DR Congo, where M23 has expanded its influence in recent years, capturing strategic areas in North Kivu and becoming one of the main actors in the region’s security crisis.
Meanwhile, analysts say the conflict may be entering a new phase with the reported use of unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones, on the battlefield.
Congolese military authorities, FARDC, have accused M23 of using drones in attacks against government forces and allied armed groups in areas including Itombwe territory and Fizi.
In a recent statement, FARDC said drone attacks had targeted the Fizi area and resulted in civilian casualties.
Some reports have suggested that the drones, which are difficult to detect using conventional radar systems, could have originated from Ukraine. However, those claims have not been independently verified and no evidence has been publicly provided to support them.
The question of who supplies military equipment to armed groups in eastern DR Congo remains a sensitive issue, with regional governments and international actors trading accusations over foreign involvement in the conflict.
The United Nations and other international organisations have repeatedly called for an end to hostilities and urged all parties to seek a political solution through dialogue.
By Mwizerwa Ally
RwandaTribune.rw
