Recent claims by DR Congo President Félix Tshisekedi about Rwanda's alleged support for the M23 rebel group in eastern DR Congo have fuelled a misleading narrative that has gained traction in Mozambican public opinion.

This flawed narrative suggests that the Southern African Development Community Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM) is withdrawing from combating terrorism in northern Mozambique due to discontent among SADC member countries over Rwanda's military presence.

However, it is crucial to rebut this mistaken idea with the truth to understand the complex situation in the region better.

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A flawed SAVANA article

The SAVANA newspaper article published on Friday, March 29, titled "SADC e Ruanda Guerra declarada” (SADC and Rwanda: War declared) perpetuates a simplistic view of the conflict, alleging that Rwanda supports M23 rebels and destabilizes DR Congo by providing weapons and direct support.

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Despite Rwanda's denials and the presence of over 250 other armed groups in the region, besides M23, the article uncritically repeats the allegations without delving into the nuances of the situation. The conflict remains unresolved, with ongoing repercussions for regional stability and security.

Analysis and counterarguments

1. Tshisekedi's manipulation

President Tshisekedi has skilfully manipulated leaders, countries, and regions to create misunderstandings and pit them against each other; such as SADC versus the East African Community (EAC).

This approach hinders peaceful resolution and allows Tshisekedi to dictate terms based on his misguided position. Regional leaders must engage in dialogue without succumbing to manipulation.

2. Dialogue conditions set by Tshisekedi

The conditions set by Tshisekedi, for dialogue, are counterproductive. Tshisekedi demands Rwanda's troop withdrawal and M23's containment. If Kagame was also to set his own conditions, then progress towards peace would be impeded.

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3. Rwanda's involvement in DR Congo

Accusations of Rwandan troop presence in DR Congo must consider the motivations behind such actions. The presence of the FDLR, a militia group responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, is a crucial factor. In 2021, Ugandan troops entered DR Congo to pursue the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a terrorist group that also trains militants operating in Mozambique. The complexities of the situation require careful analysis.

4. Refugees and M23

M23 consists of Congolese individuals, with over 100,000 refugees associated with the group in Rwanda, some for over two decades. Labelling M23 as terrorists and imposing sanctions directly affects these refugees and fails to address the underlying issues. The international community must consider the humanitarian implications and adhere to international law regarding refugee protection.

Persecution and killing of the Banyamulenge, the Tutsi, and Hema, is continously done, with impunity, by people known to be close to the Congolese President.

5. Addressing root causes

Achieving lasting peace necessitates addressing the conflict's root causes and considering all involved parties.

Focusing solely on M23's presence near Goma is insufficient. Regional peace initiatives like the Luanda and Nairobi Processes are positive steps but should be harmonized for greater effectiveness.

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DR Congo has endemic problems including high-level corruption, bad governance, and absence of the state in many areas. Instead of addressing these problems, Congolese leaders scapegoat Rwanda.

6. Tshisekedi's threats against Rwanda

President Kagame takes Tshisekedi's threats to attack Kigali seriously, viewing them as a grave problem that Rwanda must prepare for and address. Tshisekedi's inability to grasp the implications of his statements is concerning.

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7. The existential threat to Rwanda

The combination of hate speech, genocide ideology, FDLR presence in eastern DR Congo, and the embracing of its ideology by the country's leadership poses an existential threat to Rwanda. Addressing the conflict requires moving beyond simplistic narratives and recognizing the severity of the situation.

8. Insights from Belgian lawyer Bernard Maingain

Bernard Maingain, a Belgian lawyer who has condemned anti-Tutsi hate speech in eastern DR Congo for years, offers valuable insights into the persistence of genocide ideology and its propagation. Key points from his interview include:

a) The plan to exterminate the Tutsi persists among genocidaires who fled to DR Congo and mingled with the population, spreading hate through various channels.

b) The failure to implement a "denazification" program in the Great Lakes region after the 1994 Genocide allowed the ideology to fester, with genocidaires continuing their propaganda in refugee camps and some Western countries providing a platform for genocide deniers.

c) The scapegoating of the Tutsi in DR Congo, akin to the targeting of Jews in Nazi Germany, is fuelled by economic factors and the appropriation of wealth by various actors exploiting the conflict.

d) Addressing the root causes of violence and learning from the past is crucial to resolving the conflict in eastern DR Congo. The current abuses, including the targeting of civilians based on ethnicity, must stop, and collective efforts to prevent the recurrence of atrocities are essential.

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9. The threat of FDLR collaboration with the Congolese army

The alliance between the Congolese army (FARDC) and FDLR, a group formed by perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, poses a grave threat to regional stability and the lives of civilians. Key concerns include:

a) The FDLR's persistent genocide ideology and the indoctrination of new recruits, making them a uniquely dangerous presence in eastern DR Congo.

b) The failure of the Congolese government to address the plight of Tutsi communities targeted by the FDLR and other armed groups, exacerbating their vulnerability.

c) The documented collaboration between FARDC officers and the FDLR, including the provision of weapons and information, undermining efforts to combat the genocidal militia.

d) The FDLR's involvement in illegal mining and drug trade, providing financial resources to sustain their activities and fuel further violence.

e) The urgent need for a comprehensive approach involving both sensitization of local populations and sustained military pressure to eradicate the FDLR and its genocide ideology.

ALSO READ: Why Congolese army-FDLR alliance is an evil enterprise

The FARDC-FDLR alliance violates international law and perpetuates an evil that threatens the lives of innocent civilians and the stability of the entire region.

Addressing this critical issue requires the concerted efforts of the Congolese government, regional actors, and the international community, so as to protect vulnerable populations and counter the spread of genocide ideology.

ALSO READ: Understanding FDLR’s source of funding

Conclusion

The narrative portraying Rwanda as the primary culprit behind the conflicts in DR Congo and Mozambique is overly simplistic and fails to account for the complex realities on the ground. To achieve lasting peace and stability, it is essential to:

1. Recognize the manipulative tactics employed by various actors and foster genuine dialogue and cooperation among regional leaders.

2. Address the root causes of the conflict, including the presence of armed groups like the FDLR, and work towards comprehensive solutions that prioritize the protection of civilians.

3. Counter the spread of genocide ideology and hate speech through education, accountability, and the promotion of reconciliation and coexistence.

4. Encourage the international community to adopt a more nuanced understanding of the situation and support efforts to address the underlying issues rather than perpetuating misleading narratives.

By confronting the complexities of the conflict head-on and working together to address the legitimate concerns of all parties involved, the region can move towards a more stable, peaceful, and prosperous future.

This requires a commitment to truth, justice, and the well-being of all communities affected by the ongoing violence.

The author is a Mozambican historian | egidiovaz.com