Rwandan President Paul Kagame has expressed uncertainty regarding the presence of Rwandan troops in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a region increasingly engulfed in violence and conflict.
In an exclusive interview with CNN, Kagame stated, “I don’t know,” when questioned about the deployment of Rwandan forces, despite holding the role of commander-in-chief of the Rwandan Defence Force.
This admission comes against the backdrop of escalating clashes between the M23 armed group and Congolese soldiers, which have reportedly resulted in the deaths of over 700 individuals and injuries to thousands within the past week.
The M23 group has claimed to have captured the strategic city of Goma, intensifying concerns among international observers about Rwanda’s alleged support for the insurgents.
According to UN reports, an estimated 3,000 to 4,000 Rwandan soldiers are said to be operating in the region, supervising and assisting M23 fighters, thereby outnumbering the rebel forces.
However, Kagame maintained that while there is a security issue concerning Rwanda, he cannot confirm the presence of Rwandan military personnel in the DRC. “There are many things I don’t know,” he added. “But if you want to ask me, is there a problem in Congo that concerns Rwanda? And that Rwanda would do anything to protect itself? I’d say 100%.”
The M23 group, in response to the allegations, has denied receiving any support from Rwanda. Spokesperson Victor Tesongo characterized these claims as “manipulation of public opinion” designed to undermine the rebel group’s legitimacy.
He emphasized that Rwanda’s primary concern lies with the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a militia group reportedly intertwined with the Congolese military, which Kagame describes as an “existential threat” to Rwanda.
Patrick Muyaya, the DRC’s communications minister, countered Kagame’s assertions, stating that Rwanda’s military presence in the DRC is well documented. “Kagame is the only voice denying this,” he declared, highlighting that recent statements from the UN Security Council, the UN Secretary-General, and regional leaders have corroborated the allegations of Rwandan military involvement.
The situation is further exacerbated by the deteriorating security environment along the Congo-Rwanda border. Kagame noted that shelling from the fighting in Goma has led to the deaths of 16 people in Rwanda, intensifying the urgency surrounding the conflict.
President Félix Tshisekedi of the DRC has pledged a robust response to the M23 insurgents, labeling the group as a “puppet” of Rwanda. Meanwhile, the M23 asserts intentions to extend its territorial control beyond Goma, with plans to march towards others regions, including South Kivu province and even Kinshasa, the DRC’s capital.
In the interview, Kagame faced comparisons to Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has been accused of backing separatist forces in Ukraine. He dismissed these comparisons, stating, “There will be so many stories,” and emphasized the necessity for Rwanda to safeguard its national interests. “Nobody, including the United Nations or the international community, is going to do it for us,” Kagame declared
