Response to escalation by DRC: Rwanda notes with regret the decision by the DRC to expel Rwandan Ambassador

Souvenir photo of Vincent Karega with Embassy colleagues before leaving Kinshasa.  

Rwanda notes with regret the decision by the Government of the DRC to expel Rwandan Ambassador Vincent Karega.

Rwandan security forces at our border with the DRC remain on alert, as we continue to monitor the Congolese escalation.

“Particular concern is the continued collusion between the Congolese armed forces with the FDLR, and their attempts to target the border area with heavy weaponry, as well as the bellicose anti-Rwanda rhetoric being broadcast by DRC officials. 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”, notes the press release by Rwandan Government.

The integration of the FDLR within the FARDC 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.

Rwanda remains committed to contributing to a sustainable, peaceful regional security solution within the agreed regional frameworks, including the Luanda Roadmap and the Nairobi Process. (End)