DR Congo Denies Staged Handover of Alleged FDLR Fighters to Rwanda
DR Congo’s army denies the capture of 20 alleged FDLR fighters, branding the handover to Rwanda as fake. The M23 armed group, backed by Rwanda, has made territorial gains in eastern DRC amidst ongoing conflict. The Congolese military has accused Rwanda of staging incidents to justify invasion and committing war crimes.
The Democratic Republic of Congo’s army has publicly refuted claims that 20 fighters affiliated with the Rwandan genocide were captured within its borders. In a statement issued on Sunday, military officials denounced a video released by the M23 armed group, which showed alleged FDLR fighters being handed over to Rwanda, dismissing it as misleading and staged.
The M23, supported by Rwanda, has recently engaged in intense military operations in eastern DRC, seizing control of vital regions, including the provincial capitals of Goma and Bukavu. The involvement of the Rwandan-backed M23 in these conflicts has been cited by Rwanda as justification for its military support, while the Congolese army claims that the handover of the alleged rebels was a manipulative act intended to undermine their authority.
Moreover, DRC military leaders accused the Rwandan army of committing severe violations, including the alleged execution of wounded soldiers at a field hospital in Goma, which they characterized as war crimes. Tensions in eastern DRC are escalating, raising concerns over a potential broader regional conflict that could involve neighboring countries such as Rwanda and Uganda.
In summary, the DRC military has rejected allegations of capturing FDLR fighters, describing the handover to Rwanda as fabricated. This incident reflects the ongoing strife fueled by external interventions from Rwanda, amid fears of escalating violence that could destabilize the region further. As the conflict deepens, the implications for regional security remain significant.
Original Source: jordantimes.com
