DR Congo Crisis: EU Under Scrutiny Over European Mercenaries and Rwanda’s Role
Veteran German diplomat Peter Fahrenholtz confronts EU official Kaja Kallas over allegations of Rwandan support for M23 rebels in DR Congo. He questions the portrayal of M23 members as non-Congolese and raises concerns about European mercenaries involved in the conflict. Rwanda counters allegations and insists on its security concerns regarding ties between Congolese forces and FDLR militia. The situation in eastern DR Congo remains complex and deeply rooted in historical ethnic issues.
A former German ambassador to Rwanda, Peter Fahrenholtz, recently challenged Kaja Kallas, the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, regarding her assertions about the involvement of Rwanda in the ongoing conflict with the M23 rebels in eastern DR Congo. Fahrenholtz, who served as the ambassador from 2012 to 2016, questioned the narrative suggesting that the M23 rebels do not represent Congolese citizens and emphasized the need for acknowledgment of their grievances and the ongoing persecution of Congolese Tutsi community.
Fahrenholtz, in his remarks, noted that the European mercenaries engaged in fighting alongside the Congolese army against the M23 should also spark concern. He posed critical questions to Kallas, asking, “Are M23 not DRC citizens? Were there not European mercenaries fighting against them in DRC? Who will protect ethnic minorities in eastern DRC?” These inquiries reflect the complexity of the conflict and the implications of external involvement in local issues.
The M23 group, part of the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC), is led by Corneille Nangaa, the former head of DR Congo’s electoral commission, and aims to protect the Congolese Tutsi community, which has faced historical persecution. Reports indicate that approximately 2,000 Eastern European mercenaries have been hired to assist the Congolese military and its allies, including Burundian troops and local armed factions.
During a meeting on March 10, Kallas met with Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Olivier Nduhungirehe, to discuss the allegations of Rwandan support for the M23. Nduhungirehe refuted these claims, pointing out Rwanda’s security concerns regarding the collaboration between the Congolese army and the FDLR militia, which is connected to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. He stated, “Rwanda’s national security concerns have long been ignored or dismissed,” and emphasized that blaming Rwanda would not contribute to resolving the crisis.
The discourse surrounding the conflict in eastern DR Congo emphasizes the complexity of the situation, which involves ethnic tensions and the role of international mercenaries. Peter Fahrenholtz’s challenge to EU officials highlights the need for a nuanced understanding of the region’s dynamics, particularly regarding the representation and protection of marginalized groups. The dialogue between EU representatives and Rwandan officials may yield crucial insights into the ongoing conflict, but persistent diplomatic tensions could hinder progress toward resolution.
Original Source: www.newtimes.co.rw
