President Kagame Denies Knowledge of Rwandan Troops in DRC Amid Rising Violence

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Rwandan President Paul Kagame has denied knowledge of whether Rwandan troops are operating in the conflict-ridden eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). His comments come as clashes between the M23 rebel group and Congolese soldiers escalate, resulting in over 900 deaths and thousands of injuries.

In an exclusive interview with CNN, Kagame addressed mounting accusations from international bodies and governments, including the DRC and the United Nations, that Rwanda is supporting the M23 rebels. These allegations include claims that thousands of Rwandan troops and heavy weaponry are bolstering the rebel group in the region.

When questioned about Rwandan troops’ presence in the DRC, Kagame stated, “I don’t know,” despite his position as commander-in-chief of the Rwandan Defence Force. He added, “There are many things I don’t know. But if you want to ask me, is there a problem in Congo that concerns Rwanda? And that Rwanda would do anything to protect itself? I’d say 100%.”

Kagame’s remarks align with the stance of the M23 rebel group. Its spokesperson, Victor Tesongo, told CNN that the group “receives no support from Rwanda,” dismissing the allegations as “a manipulation of public opinion to disqualify us.”

The DRC government has firmly accused Rwanda of involvement in the conflict. Patrick Muyaya, the DRC’s communications minister, told CNN, “Kagame is the only voice denying this,” asserting that Rwanda’s military presence in eastern Congo is well-documented.

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President Kagame Denies Knowledge of Rwandan Troops in DRC Amid Rising Violence

According to UN experts, an estimated 3,000 to 4,000 Rwandan soldiers are allegedly operating in the DRC, outnumbering the M23 fighters in the region.

The situation on the ground in Goma, the epicenter of the violence, is dire. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that at least 900 bodies have been recovered as of January 31. Thousands more have been injured as the conflict rages on.

The UN and World Health Organization (WHO) have expressed grave concerns over the humanitarian crisis, as thousands of displaced civilians face limited access to food, shelter, and medical care.

The violence in eastern DRC is rooted in decades of tension over resources, ethnicity, and governance. The M23 rebel group, which has been active for over a decade, claims to represent the interests of certain Congolese communities but has been accused of war crimes and destabilizing the region.

Rwanda has faced repeated allegations of supporting the group, a claim it has consistently denied. Despite Kagame’s dismissal of the accusations, the international community continues to scrutinize Rwanda’s role in the ongoing crisis.

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