Rwandan President Paul Kagame has stated that Rwanda is prepared to engage in military conflict with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) if necessary. In an exclusive interview with FRANCE 24, Kagame emphasized Rwanda’s readiness amidst escalating tensions between the two nations.
Kagame’s declaration comes in response to accusations from Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi, who has alleged that Rwanda is orchestrating “a genocide” in eastern DRC. Kagame countered these claims by accusing Tshisekedi of promoting a “genocide ideology” aimed at Congolese Tutsis.
“What actually is taking place in eastern Congo should be understood even by the person who leads that country,” Kagame said. He criticized Tshisekedi for what he described as a selective memory of the events in eastern DRC, suggesting a misrepresentation of the situation.
Kagame also addressed the contentious issue of Rwandan military presence in the DRC. While he did not confirm the presence of Rwandan soldiers on Congolese soil, he questioned the root causes of the conflict, particularly the activities of M23 rebels in the region. “Why don’t we look at the root cause of this problem?” he asked.
In addition to discussing the tensions with DRC, Kagame spoke on domestic matters, denying allegations that the upcoming presidential election on July 15 is rigged. As he seeks a fourth term, Kagame dismissed claims of electoral manipulation and assured the legitimacy of the election process.
Kagame also responded to accusations from a consortium of media outlets, which claimed he is conducting a campaign of repression and assassination against his opponents within Rwanda and abroad. These allegations have raised concerns about his administration’s approach to dissent and opposition.
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