General (Rtd) James Kabarebe of Rwanda met with EU envoy Johan Borgstam to discuss the DRC conflict. Kabarebe distinguished the DRC crisis from Ukraine, criticizing political comparisons that neglect deeper issues. He stressed Rwanda’s need for security guarantees and the detrimental impact of EU politics on effective peace efforts, urging constructive EU involvement in the region.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in Charge of Regional Cooperation, General (Rtd) James Kabarebe, met with Johan Borgstam, the European Union (EU) Special Envoy for the Great Lakes region, on February 27. Their discussions centered around the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), particularly the government coalition’s battles with the M23 rebels. Kabarebe emphasized that the situation in the DRC is “not comparable to the conflict in Ukraine,” asserting that any comparisons are politically motivated and distract from critical issues, including the actions of the genocidal FDLR militia.
Kabarebe highlighted the historical context of insecurity in eastern DRC, acknowledging the myriad of armed groups, persecution of Tutsi communities, and the FDLR militia, which the UN and US have sanctioned for its role in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. He pointed out that some of these groups bear direct responsibility for the current violence. As a result, he described Rwanda’s threats from the DRC as significant and warranted, referencing the coalition of various military forces opposing Rwanda’s security.
“Rwanda will continue to insist on having security guarantees including the withdrawal of all foreign forces near our borders,” Kabarebe stated. He asserted that the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity should apply to both Rwanda and the DRC, citing more than 20 violations of Rwanda’s sovereignty since 2018. Thus, Rwanda is obligated to implement defensive measures until these threats are resolved.
Kabarebe expressed concern that EU domestic politics and vested interests are affecting foreign policy decisions regarding the DRC, highlighting that punitive measures against targeted countries are counterproductive. He remarked, “The DR Congo cannot continue to mislead the international community by calling for sanctions on Rwanda to mask its governance failures, grave human rights abuses against its own citizens…” He urged EU member states to engage constructively in regional peace initiatives while steering clear of politicizing peace and security matters.
In summary, General Kabarebe’s meeting with the EU envoy underscored the urgency of addressing the unique challenges facing the DRC while distinguishing its crisis from the situation in Ukraine. The discussion revealed Rwanda’s growing concerns regarding security threats emanating from DRC and called for meaningful EU engagement in regional stability without political entanglement. Kabarebe’s remarks illuminate the importance of addressing historical grievances and fostering African-led peace initiatives without external bias.
Original Source: www.newtimes.co.rw
