According to Kigali, the DRC government, in collaboration with foreign forces, is not solely focused on defeating the M23 rebels but is also preparing an offensive against Rwanda.  

In a strongly worded statement, Rwanda rejected accusations made against its Defence Force during the recent Southern African Development Community (SADC) extraordinary meeting in Harare, Zimbabwe. Kigali insists that its military’s role is purely defensive, aimed at protecting Rwanda’s borders and ensuring the safety of its citizens.  

“The Rwanda Defence Force is solely committed to safeguarding our territorial integrity and civilians from external threats,” the statement read.  

Rwanda also accused SADC of deploying an offensive force in the DRC to bolster the Kinshasa government’s military campaign against its own people. This comes amid ongoing tensions between Rwanda and the DRC, with Kinshasa repeatedly accusing Kigali of supporting the M23 rebel group, a claim Rwanda has consistently denied.  

Despite the escalating rhetoric, Rwanda has reiterated its support for a political solution to the conflict in eastern DRC. Kigali has also welcomed the proposal for a joint summit between the East African Community (EAC) and SADC to discuss a pathway to peace.  

--SABC/ChannelAfrica--