The Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) said on Tuesday 29th March 2022 that the fighting with M23 broke out early Monday in North Kivu Province after the rebels attacked military positions in Tchanzu and Runyonyi in Rutshuru territory.
General Sylvain Ekenge, the Spokesman of the North Kivu governor, claimed that two soldiers of the Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF) identified as Warrant Officer Jean Pierre Habyarimana and John Uwajeneza Muhindi alias Zaje were arrested during the attacks, and accused Rwanda of conspiring with the M23 rebels.
However, Rwanda dismissed the allegations in a statement released on Tuesday.
“We would like to categorically refute the baseless accusations and state that the RDF is not by any means involved in the belligerent activities across in DRC,” a statement signed by François Habitegeko, the governor of Western Province.
The statement also denied that two Rwandan soldiers were arrested in the attacks, saying the RDF does not have any member with the alleged names of the arrested presented to the press.
Speaking to RFI, the Congolese Minister of Communication and Government Spokesperson, Patrick Muyaya has said that it is not the first time M23 conducts an incursion noting that the previous attack was in November 2021.
He explained that people linking the attack to Rwanda might have reasons but insisted that DRC is much inclined to live in peace.
“Our priority today is that time has come to build good relations rooted on peace in the Great Lakes Region. Since President of the Republic was installed, there has been willingness to work with neighbouring countries,” said Muyaya.
“This means, there are established mechanisms to assess cross border issues and diplomatic means through which the situation will be brought to light. There is willingness to achieve peace and development in this Great Lakes Region,” he added.
Muyaya also highlighted that the recent meeting held in Jordan that was attended by President Félix Tshisekedi and his counterpart of Rwanda, Paul Kagame reflects willingness to improve both countries’ relations.
When asked if they still doubt about the arrested soldiers whose names and ranks were announced publicly, Muyaya said: “I don’t want to go deeper into this issue. What we consider most is peace.”
Sources reveal that the paraded soldiers were arrested on 1st February 2022 not 28th March as announced by Gen Sylvain Ekenge.
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