The United Kingdom has summoned Rwanda’s High Commissioner in response to escalating tensions in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The summons after M23 rebels, allegedly backed by Kigali, have made significant territorial gains in the country’s restive eastern regions.
UK Condemns Rwanda’s Alleged Involvement
In a strongly worded statement published online and on social media platform X, the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) condemned what it described as an incursion by the Rwandan Defense Force (RDF) alongside M23 rebels into Congolese territory.
“The UK strongly condemns the advances of the Rwandan Defense Force and M23 in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo,” the FCDO stated, calling the development “an unacceptable violation of DRC’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
The statement further urged the Rwandan government to take immediate action. “The Government of Rwanda must immediately withdraw all Rwanda Defense Force troops from Congolese territory,” it added, emphasizing the need for de-escalation through diplomatic channels.
“We urge Rwanda to immediately cease all hostilities and return to dialogue through African-led peace processes,” the FCDO said, reaffirming the UK’s support for regional peace efforts.
Rwanda Denies Involvement
Despite mounting allegations of Rwandan support for M23, President Paul Kagame has consistently denied any direct involvement in the conflict.
In a recent interview with CNN, aired two weeks ago, Kagame dismissed claims that Rwandan troops were operating in the DRC.
When asked by CNN journalist Larry Madowo whether he was aware of RDF presence in eastern DRC, Kagame responded ambiguously, saying, “There are many things I don’t know. But if you want to ask me if there is a problem in Congo that concerns Rwanda and that Rwanda would do anything to protect itself, I say 100%.”
His remarks have done little to assuage fears of Rwandan interference, with international observers pointing to reports from the United Nations and other organizations suggesting that Rwanda has provided logistical and military support to M23.
Regional and International Implications
The resurgence of M23, a rebel group with a history of destabilizing eastern DRC, has heightened tensions in the Great Lakes region.
The conflict threatens to strain diplomatic relations between Rwanda and its neighbors, particularly the DRC, which has long accused Kigali of backing rebel factions to advance its strategic and economic interests.
The UK’s condemnation adds to a growing chorus of Western nations, including the United States and France, that have urged Rwanda to cease any involvement in the conflict.
The African Union and regional bodies such as the East African Community (EAC) have also called for a peaceful resolution through negotiations.
As the situation unfolds, all eyes remain on Rwanda’s response to the UK’s diplomatic pressure and whether regional peace initiatives can effectively mediate an end to the hostilities.
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