DR Congo’s president seeks ‘countermeasures’ against Rwanda for conflict in eastern Congo

- Rwanda has ‘nothing to gain’ from ‘unstable’ Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwandan defense minister tells panel

ISTANBUL

Felix Tshisekedi, the president of the conflict-hit Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), sought “countermeasures” Friday against Rwanda for the escalation in the eastern Congo.

“Rwanda has repeatedly provoked such situations for many years, and there have not been any countermeasures taken,” Tshisekedi told a panel discussion at the Munich Security Conference.

More than 7 million people were internally displaced in Congo due to the conflict that has been ongoing for more than 20 years, according to the Congolese head of state.

“We quickly have to take on these issues, because, in particular on the African continent, this can set a precedent that can lead to more instability,” Tshisekedi added.

In the audience was Rwandan Defense Minister Juvenal Marizamunda.

While the panel was answering questions from the audience, Marizamunda spoke up to “put some clarification” about the crisis in eastern Congo.

“As we heard from the panel, the crisis in the eastern DRC is a challenge for all of us in the region. Rwanda has been heavily affected with devastating human, political and economic consequences of the crisis. However, Rwanda has nothing to gain from an unstable DRC,” he said.

“We are not able here to resolve the issue, and we don't want to have a debate on this,” Christoph Heusgen, moderator of the panel discussion, responded to Marizamunda.

He proposed that “maybe you try on the margins to talk to each other.”

“This conference is about peace through dialog. So, instead of making a declaration, maybe you could sit down and talk, and maybe the UN can help do this. I don't know what is happening right now, but this is not the right way forward,” Heusgen said.

The M23 rebels claimed Friday that they captured the Kavumu airport, which is 25 kilometers (15 miles) from the provincial capital of Bukavu, in the eastern province of South Kivu.

They also entered Bukavu, following the takeover of Kavumu, according to sources and social media.

Since Jan. 26, more than 3,000 people have been killed, 2,880 injured and over 500,000 displaced, adding to the 6.4 million already internally displaced people, according to the UN.

At least 20 peacekeepers, including 14 from South Africa, have been killed during clashes between the M23 rebels and Congolese forces.

Kinshasa accuses Rwanda of backing the M23 rebels and sending forces to eastern Congo when the latest offensive began. Kigali has repeatedly denied the allegations that it backs the rebels.