The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) decided on Saturday to expel the Rwandan ambassador, Vincent Karega, from its territory, after months of tension between the two countries; Kinshasa accusing Kigali of supporting the M23 group (“Movement of March 23”), a former rebellion which took up arms again at the end of 2021 in eastern DRC.
The announcement was made by official television, which relayed a statement signed by government spokesman Patrick Muyaya. The document takes stock of an extended meeting of the Higher Defense Council, chaired by the Head of State Félix Tshisekedi to assess the situation, after “a series of attacks and occupations of Congolese localities (…) by the M23 supported by the Rwandan army”.
This meeting revealed facts which would have finally prompted the Superior Council of Defense to ask “the government to expel Vincent Karega within 48 hours (…) due in particular to the persistence of his country in attacking the DRC”.
Among these facts are a “massive arrival” in recent days of “elements of the Rwandan army to support the M23 terrorists for a general offensive against the positions of the Congolese armed forces”; as well as a “massive displacement of several thousand” people.
The M23 rebellion has gained ground in eastern DRC. After the city of Bunagana taken last June, it has taken over two other localities in recent days, namely Kiwanja and Rutshuru.
“It is regrettable that the DRC government continues to blame Rwanda for its own governance and security failures,” Kigali said in a statement issued in reaction to the announcement of the expulsion of its ambassador.
By OMA Newsletter N° 919 of 31/10/2022
Article published under the direction of Dr. Najib Kettani
The OMA, NGO with an Intercontinental vocation
For the development of cultural exchanges
Valuing human potential
The promotion and consolidation of Africa’s development, and
Inter-African integration
