Harare (New Ziana) –The Rwandan government said on Sunday its security forces at the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo remain on alert, as it continues to monitor the escalation of the situation by its neighbour.
In a statement, the Rwandan government said it noted with regret the decision by the Democratic Republic of Congo to expel its ambassador to that country, Vincent Karega, on Saturday.
The DRC on Saturday ordered Karega to leave the country within 48 hours after accusing Kigali of supporting the rebel Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR)), who have seized two towns in the east of the DRC, raising tensions between the two countries.
“Of particular concern is the continued collusion between the Congolese armed forces with the FDLR (Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda), and their attempts to target the border area with heavy weaponry, as well as the bellicose anti-Rwanda rhetoric being broadcast by DRC officials,” Rwanda said.
“We also continue to bring to the attention of the international community the persistent hate speech, public incitement and violent harassment against Rwandans and Congolese Kinyarwanda-speaking communities in the DRC, carried out by Congolese officials and the general public.”
Rwanda said the integration of the FDLR within the FARDC (The Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo) and their collaboration is directly linked to ever increasing hate speech and violence in DRC against Rwandans and Kinyarwanda speaking Congolese communities.
“It is regrettable the Government of the DRC continues to scapegoat Rwanda to cover up and distract from their own governance and security failures,” it said.
Rwanda said it remained committed to contributing to a sustainable, peaceful regional security solution within the agreed regional frameworks, including the Luanda Roadmap and the Nairobi Process.
The DRC has repeatedly accused Rwanda of backing the rebels, an allegation Rwanda has denied.
Saturday ’s announcement by government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya of the expulsion of Karega came after a meeting of the defence council, presided over by President Felix Tshisekedi, in the wake of rebels seizing control of Kiwanja and Rutshuru in the North Kivu.
New Ziana
