DR Congo President Félix
Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame. Photo: Courtesy.By
Adonis Byemelwa
In
a dramatic escalation, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) last week
threatened to withdraw from the East African Community (EAC), accusing Rwanda
of exacerbating security threats within its borders.
President
Félix Tshisekedi has charged that Rwanda is backing the M23 rebels, a
predominantly Banyamulenge group, sharply increasing tensions between the two
nations. Tshisekedi claims Rwanda's alleged support undermines peace efforts in
the DRC and threatens its sovereignty.
"Rwanda's
actions are not just fueling the conflict but are a direct threat to our
nation's security and sovereignty," President Tshisekedi asserted. This
dramatic move comes as the DRC questions its continued membership in the EAC
amid worsening security conditions.
The
tensions between the DRC and Rwanda have reached a boiling point. During the
December 2023 election campaign, President Tshisekedi did not hold back. He
openly labeled Rwandan President Paul Kagame as a dictator, underscoring the
depth of irritation within the DRC towards both Kagame and the EAC.
At
a final rally in Kinshasa on December 18, Tshisekedi took a provocative stance,
declaring that if re-elected, he would wage war against Rwanda and called on
the public to prepare to topple Kagame.
His
rhetoric intensified the following day during the inauguration of the Kinshasa
Financial Centre. While receiving a Turkish sword from the construction
company, Tshisekedi made a shocking declaration: “This is the weapon I will use
to slaughter Kagame.”
Such
public statements from a sitting president are unprecedented and highlight the
extreme frustration of the DRC leadership with the EAC and Rwanda. This
rhetoric not only signals a deteriorating diplomatic relationship but also
raises concerns about the potential for further regional instability.
Political
analysts Abdukareem Atik and Brayson Bichwa, speaking from Dar es Salaam on
UTV, have offered insights into the complexity of the situation. Atik
emphasized that the roots of the DRC conflict are deeply embedded and multifaceted.
"The
conflict in the DRC cannot be solved by merely focusing on external influences;
internal issues must also be addressed," he argued. Atik noted that the
Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a militant group from Uganda, plays a
significant role in the ongoing instability, suggesting that a focus on
internal resolution is crucial.
Bichwa,
an international journalist reporting on Great Lakes news, added another layer
of complexity. He highlighted the plight of the M23 fighters, who, being
refugees from Rwanda, face rejection in their home country due to their Hutu
ethnicity. Bichwa warned that forcing these fighters to return to Rwanda could
exacerbate tensions and potentially stir more unrest.
"The demographic tension surrounding the
M23 fighters risks further escalating the conflict," he said. He also
pointed out that allegations of Rwanda benefiting from the exploitation of
DRC’s mineral resources complicate the regional dynamics.
Both
analysts agreed that blaming neighboring countries like Rwanda and Uganda
oversimplifies a much more intricate issue. They emphasized that the
international community's role in exploiting DRC’s resources is also a critical
factor in the conflict. "A more comprehensive approach is needed—one that
addresses both internal and external factors contributing to the crisis,"
Bichwa stressed.
The
dissatisfaction with the regional military force deployed by the EAC has
further complicated the situation. The EAC, which began sending troops to the
region in November 2022 at the DRC’s request, aimed to address the M23 threat.
However, President Tshisekedi and residents have accused the force of failing
to effectively confront the rebels.
"The EAC troops were supposed to help us
fight the rebels, but instead, we saw them cohabiting with the M23," said
Emmanuel Agaye, a resident of Goma. The sentiment reflects widespread
frustration with the EAC’s efforts.
The
recent withdrawal of Kenyan troops from the EAC force has added to the tension.
On Sunday morning, two contingents of around 100 Kenyan soldiers left Goma, the
capital of North Kivu. The departure of the troops, with no Congolese officials
present to witness it, has raised questions about the future of the EAC’s
involvement in the region.
A spokesperson for the EAC force indicated that
the troops were heading to Nairobi, but provided no details on the next stages
of the withdrawal. "We are happy to see the EAC leave," said Goma
taxi-scooter driver Emmanuel Agaye. "We know they came to help us fight,
but they didn't fight."
The
EAC's decision not to renew the force’s mandate beyond December 8 has further
fueled discontent. Goma resident Innocent Niyibizi expressed frustration at the
perceived ineffectiveness of the EAC troops: "Imagine our surprise when
the M23 rebels overtook the EAC positions and seized new areas." This
dissatisfaction reflects a broader disillusionment with the EAC’s role in
addressing the conflict.
The
M23 rebels, who resurfaced in late 2021, have captured significant territory in
North Kivu. Their recent advances, including positioning outside Sake, have
heightened concerns about a potential escalation. The DRC government, alongside
international actors such as the United States and Belgium, has accused Rwanda
of supporting the M23, a claim Rwanda consistently denies.
Rwanda
and Uganda's historical military interventions in the DRC, dating back to the
1996 and 1998 invasions, have further complicated the situation. The U.S. has
urged Rwanda to withdraw its military personnel and remove surface-to-air
missile systems. Despite numerous ceasefires brokered by regional leaders and
the U.S., the conflict persists.
In
response to the ineffectiveness of the regional forces, the Southern African
Development Community (SADC) has approved a new military mission for the DRC.
Unlike the EAC troops, the SADC forces, including contingents from South
Africa, Malawi, and Tanzania, have an offensive mandate to support the DRC army
in combating rebel groups. South Africa, for instance, has committed 2,900
troops and reported casualties from its engagement in the region.
Amidst
these developments, Tanzania's President Samia Suluhu Hassan has been elected
as the new Chairperson of SADC's Organ on Politics, Defence, and Security
Cooperation. Her leadership comes at a critical time, as SADC grapples with
escalating conflicts, particularly in the DRC and ongoing tensions with Rwanda.
President
Hassan’s role will be pivotal in navigating these complex regional dynamics and
coordinating effective responses to the escalating crisis. The 44th SADC
Summit, held in Harare, Zimbabwe, marked the beginning of President Samia’s
tenure as chair of this crucial organ.
The
summit itself was a stark reminder of the challenges ahead, with leaders
emphasizing the need for innovation and industrialization as pathways to
sustainable development. Yet, beneath the optimistic rhetoric, the reality of
deep-seated conflicts and the struggle for stability loomed large.
Zimbabwe’s
President, Emmerson Mnangagwa, who assumed the overall chairmanship of SADC,
highlighted the importance of collective effort in driving the region’s
development agenda.
The
international community remains deeply concerned about the potential for
broader regional instability as the situation in the DRC evolves. The
challenges confronting SADC and its new leadership emphasize the urgent need
for a comprehensive and coordinated approach to address the multifaceted crisis
in eastern Congo. The ongoing conflict, marked by violent clashes and
escalating tensions, underscores the necessity for a more nuanced and effective
response to restore stability in the region.