The DRC army has denied the capture of 20 fighters supposedly linked to the Rwandan genocide, labeling the handover video to Rwanda as fake. The M23 rebel group claimed responsibility for the capture, while the DRC accused Rwanda of fabricating evidence to justify its military actions. The ongoing conflict in eastern DRC raises fears of a wider regional war involving neighboring countries.
On March 2, 2025, the Democratic Republic of Congo’s army refuted claims that 20 fighters, allegedly affiliated with the Rwandan genocide, were captured within its borders. They labeled a video showing the handover of these individuals to Rwanda as a fabrication, orchestrated to undermine the credibility of the Congolese forces. This denial follows an announcement by the Rwandan-backed M23 rebel group, which stated that it had apprehended members of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR).
The DRC military asserted that the M23’s assertions serve as a justification for Rwanda’s intervention in the eastern regions of the country, specifically regions rich in mineral resources. They further accused the Rwandan military of employing deceitful tactics, suggesting that old FDLR captives were repurposed in new uniforms to create a false narrative of recent captures. The DRC’s high command indicated that the ongoing conflict could escalate into a broader regional war involving Rwanda, Uganda, and other nations.
The situation remains tense, prompting serious concerns about stability in eastern DRC, particularly given the history of armed conflicts linked to regional politics. The accusations of war crimes, including summary executions by Rwandan forces, compound the gravity of the situation, necessitating international attention and intervention to avert further humanitarian crises in the region.
In summary, the DRC army has firmly denied the capture of 20 alleged FDLR fighters, calling the handover video contrived and aimed at discrediting the Congolese military. This spurious narrative is perceived as a tactic by Rwanda to legitimize its military involvement in the DRC, further complicating the already volatile situation in the region. The potential for conflict escalation raises significant concerns for regional stability.
Original Source: jordantimes.com
