In an exclusive interview with France 24, Rwandan President Paul Kagame declared Rwanda’s preparedness to engage in conflict with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) if necessary, asserting that Rwanda is ready to fight and unafraid.
Tensions have escalated following accusations by Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi, who accused Rwanda of orchestrating genocide in Eastern DRC. Kagame responded by accusing Tshisekedi of promoting genocidal ideologies against Congolese Tutsis.
Kagame refrained from confirming the presence of Rwandan soldiers in the DRC, stressing the importance of addressing the underlying causes of regional tensions.
As Kagame gears up for a fourth term in the upcoming July 15 presidential election, he denied allegations of election rigging and refuted accusations of suppressing and assassinating opponents. He affirmed his government’s commitment to ensuring free and fair elections.
These developments underscore the deepening rift between Rwanda and the DRC, highlighting the complex challenges confronting Kagame as the election approaches.
The conflict in eastern Congo, which has endured for decades, has resulted in one of the world’s severest humanitarian crises. Over 100 armed groups are active in the region, primarily vying for control of valuable mineral mines and land. The violence has displaced approximately 7 million people, with many facing dire humanitarian conditions beyond the reach of aid.
