Wellars Gasamagera, Rwandan Patriotic Front Secretary General, advocated for DR Congo to sever ties with the FDLR and abandon hostile plans toward Rwanda to achieve lasting peace. He emphasized the importance of dialogue in resolving conflicts and criticized the misrepresentation of crisis origins by the Congolese government and international community. Gasamagera asserted that sanctions against Rwanda are ineffective and counterproductive, urging a focus on governance in DR Congo.
The Secretary General of the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF-Inkotanyi), Wellars Gasamagera, urged the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) to sever all affiliations with the genocidal militia FDLR to ensure lasting peace in the region. He emphasized the danger that FDLR poses to Rwanda’s security during a meeting on February 25, 2023, discussing regional stability amidst the ongoing crisis in eastern DR Congo.
Gasamagera highlighted that continued collaboration with the UN-sanctioned FDLR only exacerbates the current crisis, particularly following the escalation of violence in January when AFC/M23 rebels captured Goma. He condemned Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi’s intentions to attack Rwanda, asserting, “Congo must abandon its plan to overthrow Rwanda’s leadership, which was democratically elected by its citizens.”
He further stated, “As long as this militia operates in DR Congo, deliberate peace cannot be achieved.” Gasamagera advocated for negotiations to resolve the conflict with M23 rebels, emphasizing the need to address their grievances and the root causes of the conflict. “True peace comes through dialogue and peaceful efforts,” he asserted.
During this forum, Gasamagera commended President Paul Kagame for his dedication to regional security and urged all political factions in Rwanda to support measures ensuring the nation’s defense. He vehemently criticized the Congolese government and international entities for mischaracterizing the origins of the conflict, which he argued stem from ethnic violence and governance failures in DR Congo rather than external influences.
The FDLR, formed by those responsible for the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi, has proliferated in DR Congo, recruiting fighters and perpetuating violence against Congolese Tutsi communities, which poses a persistent threat to Rwanda. Gasamagera remarked that the focus of the crisis narrative should shift from resources and sovereignty issues to the underlying historical and governance challenges faced by DR Congo.
In response to sanctions against Rwanda regarding alleged support for M23 rebels, Gasamagera claimed these measures were counterproductive, stating, “Sanctions have not solved anything. Instead, they embolden the DR Congo to continue avoiding responsibility for its own governance failures.”
In conclusion, Wellars Gasamagera’s statements underscore the necessity for DR Congo to distance itself from the FDLR and cease aggressive intentions towards Rwanda to foster regional peace. He calls for addressing the root causes of conflicts through dialogue and highlights the importance of responsible governance in DR Congo. Moreover, the misrepresentation of the crisis by both the Congolese government and the international community must be addressed for a sustainable resolution.
Original Source: www.newtimes.co.rw
