Rwanda and DR Congo over the weekend held a two-day bilateral meeting on mutual security concerns during which the two countries committed to step up their collaboration toward lasting stability. The countries were already cooperating in intelligence information sharing, which has come in handy in the context of the continued military action by the Congolese forces against a myriad of armed groups operating in DR Congo’s eastern region. Sustained operations against the negative forces by DR Congo’s military have seen hundreds of refugees rescued from the clutches of these militia groups, some of which are linked to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, while they have also resulted in the capture of many of the combatants. Some captured combatants have since been produced before courts of law to answer a litany of charges, which include treason, formation of or joining a criminal group, conspiracy against an established government, among others. Improved relations between Kigali and Kinshasa in recent years have been a key element in efforts to restore peace and security in eastern DR Congo as this has allowed for sharing of vital intelligence information leading to successful operations by DR Congo’s army against the negative forces. This has fuelled hope that the region could finally see an end to cycles of violence that have claimed so many innocent lives, notably Congolese civilians who have borne the brunt of endless cycles of militia violence. Recent progress toward ridding eastern Congo of militia groups by Congolese forces is a testament of what can be done when countries turn to and grow their internal capacity, and collaborate with neighbours, to deal with security threats – and other challenges. It is important that other countries in the region, as well as international partners, throw their weight behind this new momentum to bring about lasting peace and security in the Congo and the Great Lakes region, and to desist from any acts of sabotage, including extending any kind of support to the same abusive militias and genocidal groups. Kudos to the governments of DR Congo and Rwanda for not only taking a pro-active approach toward strengthening their socioeconomic ties but also working together for the good of the peoples of the two countries – and the region at large – on security matters.
