Those who turned up for prayers at the stadium were joined by 24 parliamentarians from different countries who are in Rwanda for Francophonie Parliamentary Assembly.
Eid al-Adha, which in Arabic literally means the “festival of the sacrifice”, commemorates the Koran tale of Prophet Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ishmael but God offered him a lamb to sacrifice, ruling that no human life should be sacrificed in the name of God.
The day is marked with the sacrifice of an animal; usually a goat, sheep, or cow, and the distribution of the meat among neighbours, family members and the poor.
The Mufti of Rwanda, Sheikh Hitimana Salim has said that Eid Al Adha is a feast of great significance which induces joy.
He added that the day should be an opportunity to spread love and adhere to commandments and Abraham obeyed God.
Sheikh Hitimana also requested Muslims to share foods with friends and vulnerable people.
Sheikh Musa Fazil Harerimana, the Vice Speaker of the Lower Chamber of Parliament also attended the prayers along with counterparts from Francophone countries.
“They came to attend Francophonie Parliamentary Assembly taking place in Rwanda an expressed interest in joining us during this prayer. So, we made arrangements for them to participate,” he noted.
Saley Sahadatou, a parliamentarian from Niger has expressed delight to have celebrated Eid Al Adha along with Rwandans.
Rwanda and DRC recently met at a tripartite summit in Angola on Wednesday 6th July 2022 which brought together the President of Rwanda, Paul Kagame; his counterpart of DRC, Félix Tshisekedi and Angolan President, João Lourenço who is the Chairperson of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) and mediator on tension between Rwanda and DRC.
The summit was held amidst growing tension between the two neighboring countries escalated following the resurgence of M23 rebel group in the recent months.
DRC accuses Rwanda of backing M23 in the fight with Congolese Army while Rwanda accuses it of collaboration with the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a terrorist outfit comprised of remnant masterminds of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
It also blames DRC for having shelled Rwandan territory at different times in collaboration with FDLR. The projectiles injured civilians and destroyed houses.
The tension continued to grow until a Congolese soldier stormed Rwanda and opened a rapid fire on Rwandan policemen standing guard before he was shot dead.
Speaking to the Financial Times ahead of the tripartite summit in Angola, President Tshisekedi warned of war with Rwanda.
However, Rwanda has repeatedly rejected DRC’s allegations and urged it to solve its internal problems without dragging it into the conflict.
Recent discussions between both countries on the mediation of Angola saw concerned parties setting a roadmap to accelerate efforts meant to achieve durable peace.
However, concerned countries have released contradictory statements following the summit held on Wednesday. DRC’s Presidency initially released resolutions with clauses in favour of its allegations.
Later on, Rwanda and Angola released resolutions of the roadmap detailing responsibilities of each country concerned with the issues of DRC to promote peace in the region and eastern DRC.
“The Luanda tripartite meeting outcome is a roadmap with clear objectives and activities to be implemented by various parties/partners. No agreement or ceasefire was signed. Misinformation/populism are undermining the overall objective of achieving peace in DRC and the region,” Minister Biruta has tweeted.
DRC announced that immediate ceasefire and withdrawal of M23 from all captured areas were among resolutions of the summit.
Meanwhile, the issues that Rwanda indicated at the summit have been clearly pointed out for over 20 years. These include assurance of security at its borders and fighting the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a terrorist group intending to threaten Rwanda.
Rwanda maintained that the terrorist group should not receive any form of support to attack Rwanda where DRC is urged not to allow FDLR to shell Rwandan territory.
The roadmap on activities to restore relations between Rwanda and DRC stresses the need to defeat FDLR and its splinter groups while more efforts have to be geared towards fighting hate speech and offensive language in the region by all parties.
The splinter groups include CNRD- FLN, RUD-Urunana, FPPH-Abajyarugamba believed to be at the origin of tensions between Rwanda and DRC and play a major role in the insecurity of the DRC.
Creating the necessary conditions for the return of refugees is among outlined priorities as per released roadmap. Rwanda, DRC, ICGLR and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees will be in charge of implementation.
On the issue of M23, the summit resolved that all activities on the rebel group must be based on Nairobi Process.
IGIHE has learnt that the summit might not be fruitful as expected because concerned parties did not reach consensus during discussions.
It was also resolved that an ad-hoc verification mechanism led by an Officer General of the Republic of Angola has to be created to verify the reciprocal accusations of the DRC and Rwanda concerning the support to M23 and the collaboration with the FDLR.
The team is to be supported by the Expanded Joint Verification Mechanism (EJVM) while ICGLR will seek MONUSCO’s support in security and logistical matters.
The EJVM is a mechanism of the International Conference of the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) composed of military officers from the 12 member countries that is charged with monitoring and verification of border violations between DRC and neighbouring countries.
The Rwandans arrived in the neighbouring country during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and after.
They are from 36 families comprising 65 children, 15 men and 23 women who returned to Rwanda on Wednesday 6th July 2022.
Upon arrival, they were accommodated at Kijote Transit Centre located in Nyabihu District, Bigogwe Sector.
The ceremony to welcome the refugees took place on Thursday 8th July 2022. It was attended by Veneranda Ingabire, the Coordinator of the Single Project Unit at MINEMA and Francis Ezike Okagu, the Head of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)’s Western Province office among other officials.
Ingabire has told IGIHE that the returnees will spend two weeks at the transit centre where they will provide information to have their database filled, get tested for COVID-19 and inoculated among others.
They will also receive return assistance including support funds, food items for three months, registration for national identity card and community-based health insurance for one year.
Each adult receives US$250 (Rwf250,000) while a child gets US$150.
“After making enough preparations, they receive assistance and get reintegrated into respective families in places of birth. We have welcomed and reminded them that doors are always opened. They just need to come and join others in building the nation,” said Ingabire.
Okagu has said that witnessing the repatriation of refugees who are welcomed and integrated into the society induces price to UNHCR.
More returnees are expected to arrive through Rusizi border on 8th July 2022. From 1994, over 3.5 million Rwandan refugees had returned home and reintegrated in the country (with the rest of the communities) successfully.
For the last five years, Rwanda received 15,643 returnees mainly from the DRC and both governments worked on the readiness to facilitate safe and dignified return in close collaboration with UNHCR offices in both countries even after the activation of the cessation clause for Rwandan refugees.
However, the decision to return is an individual decision and the Government of Rwanda commends the usual collaboration between regional countries in partnership with UNHCR.
Since 2009, Rwanda has successfully implemented the Comprehensive Solutions Strategy (CSS) for Rwandan refugee situation where the vast majority was in DRC.
From 2010, the then Ministry of Disaster Management and Refugee Affairs in collaboration with various partners have implemented the “Enhancing Socio-Economic Opportunities for Rwandan Returnees and other Vulnerable Groups” project.
Furthermore, the Sustainable Return and Reintegration of Rwandan Returnees” programme launched in partnership with the Government of Rwanda and UNHCR has been assisting Rwandan returnees to integrate into the society and has allowed them to enjoy all rights as well as available development programs just like any other Rwandan.
The Government of Rwanda has reaffirmed its commitment to ensure the safety and sustainable reintegration of all returnees.
It has also pledged to continue to work with various partners, including neighbouring countries and UN agencies in finding possible solutions to improving the wellbeing of all refugees living in Rwanda as well as finding long-term and durable solutions for them.
The discussions took place at a tripartite summit in Angola on Wednesday 6th July 2022 which brought together the President of Rwanda, Paul Kagame; his counterpart of DRC, Félix Tshisekedi and Angolan President, João Lourenço who is the Chairperson of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) and mediator on tension between Rwanda and DRC.
The issue of rising tension between Rwanda and DRC was recently discussed at the extraordinary Summit of the African Union in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea where President Joao Lourenço was designated as a mediator.
A former member of DRC’s cabinet said that Lourenço is a trusted person and respected by his counterparts of Rwanda and DRC that his mediation is promising to yield good results.
He has good relations with President Kagame where both countries are involved in peacekeeping activities in the Central Africa Republic (CAR).
On the other note, Angola was the first country visited by Tshisekedi after taking power. Three months later in May 2019, Angolan President visited DRC to attend the burial of the father of Tshisekedi.
A document entailing the roadmap of activities aimed at restoring relations to normal between both countries, indicates that political and diplomatic relations between the DRC and Rwanda need to be normalized.
On the side of DRC, it reads that relations will improve further in case M23 rebel group cease hostilities and withdraw from occupied positions.
Also on the agenda, is the establishment of a climate of trust between the states of the region and create optimal conditions for dialogue and political consultation to resolve the current security crisis in eastern DRC.
The roadmap also stresses the need to defeat the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) and its splinter groups (CNRD- FLN, RUD-Urunana, FPPH-Abajyarugamba) believed to be at the origin of tensions between Rwanda and DRC and play a major role in the insecurity of the DRC in order to ensure that the threat to security ceases completely.
Creating the necessary conditions for the return of refugees and reactivating the Joint Intelligence Team Rwanda-DRC to agree on the practical modalities and the program for fighting the FDLR, in coordination with the Presidency of the ICGLR and the Nairobi Process are also among outlined priorities as per released roadmap.
Both countries have also agreed on reconvening a Joint Permanent Commission (JPC) where the first meeting is due on 12th July 2022 in Luanda, Angola.
More efforts will be geared towards fighting hate speech and offensive language in the region by all parties.
President João Lourenço has said that a senior military official from Angola will attend the first meeting to mediate both parties.
It was also agreed to prevent violations of territorial integrity and ensuring compliance with the commitments made by ICGLR States in this regard.
DRC accuses Rwanda of backing M23 while Rwanda accuses the neighbouring country of collaboration with FDLR.
Other outlined activities include the expansion of the mandate of the Joint ICGLR Mechanism by strengthening its role and means of action to enable it to carry out a priori monitoring, prevent and record all actions likely to compromise the implementation of the commitments of the parties with regard to the territorial integrity, security and stability of the States of the Region as well as mutual confidence between them.
An ad-hoc verification mechanism led by an Officer General of the Republic of Angola is also set to be created to verify the reciprocal accusations of the DRC and Rwanda concerning the support to M23 and the collaboration with the FDLR.
The team is to be supported by the Expanded Joint Verification Mechanism (EJVM) while ICGLR will seek MONUSCO’s support in security and logistical matters.
The EJVM is a mechanism of the International Conference of the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) composed of military officers from the 12 member countries that is charged with monitoring and verification of border violations between DRC and neighbouring countries.
The issue of armed groups in eastern DRC was also discussed. The heads of state resolved on the revitalisation of the Framework Agreement for Peace, Security and Cooperation (PSC) in the DRC and the Region
This will be done through the establishment of a joint mechanism for regular consultations and harmonisation between the ICGLR and the EAC on the Nairobi process, ending the roaming of armed groups in the region and accelerating the implementation of the Disarmament, Demobilisation and Community Rehabilitation and Stabilisation (DDRSC) process and the release of resources pledged by donors.
DRC government will be responsible for implementation in collaboration with international partners including the United Nations, European Union and World Bank among others.
It was also resolved that DRC needs to create the conditions for the return of ex-fighters of M23 who are residing in Rwanda. This will go hand in hand with the review of clauses stipulated in agreements signed between DRC and the rebel group in 2019 in Kigali.
At the time, it was agreed to integrate combatants of the rebel group into Congolese Army, integrate its politicians in the government and repatriate refugees.
Rwanda, DRC, ICGLR and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees will be in charge of implementation.
The summit also resolved on reviewing and implementing previous agreements regarding the return of refugees in the region and repatriate elements of armed groups to their respective countries of origin.
Else, there is need to promote economic partnership between the States of the region and strengthening of regional mechanisms to combat the illegal exploitation of natural resources
It will be reached through stepping up the fight against the illicit exploitation of the DRC’s natural resources by armed groups.
President João Lourenço who was designated as a mediator on the tension between Rwanda and DRC hosted the head of states for a summit on Wednesday 6th July 2022 in Angola.
It takes place amidst escalating tension between both countries where Tshisekedi warned of a war with Rwanda if it continues backing M23 rebel group. However, Rwanda has repeatedly rejected allegations of supporting M23.
The discussions held on Wednesday were wrapped up with consensus to concert efforts aimed at calming tensions between both countries to turn a new page for relations.
DRC’s Presidency has announced that relations will be normalized through ‘Luanda mechanism’ aligning with activities of the joint commission between both countries which has not organized a meeting for several years.
The first meeting of the commission is due on 12th July 2022 in Luanda, Angola. It is aimed at restoring peace between both countries through diplomatic process.
Regarding M23, the heads of state resolved that the rebel group must lay down arms and withdraw from captured areas.
Meanwhile, all mining activities in DRC must be carried out with respect to national sovereignty.
Doğuş Group is among the largest private-sector companies in Turkey.
The Chairman and CEO of Doğuş Hospitality & Retail Group, Eryigit Umur is on a visit to Rwanda along with the Head of Chaiman’s Office, Emin Tuzuna and Selin Maner, the company’s Architect.
IGIHE has learnt that Eryigit Umur is visiting Karongi for the second time with plans to set up a state-of-the art hotel in the district.
A subsidiary of Doğuş Group, Doğuş Hospitality & Retail Group operates in the fields of hotels, events management and luxury fashion among others.
It manages over 200 restaurants and nearly 20 hotels in more than 21 countries across the world. The subsidiary also owns some of renowned hospitality icons including D-Hotels & Resorts and Mytha Hotel Anthology.
Recently, Doğuş Group announced plans to open a hospitality school and build capacity of real estate professionals in Rwanda.
Governor Habitegeko has told IGIHE that the executives are in Karongi District to explore investment opportunities, particularly in the hospitality sector.
“They are touring different parts of Karongi District , at the same time exploring potential areas of investment in hospitality sector,” he said.
Habitegeko has disclosed that the district presents huge investment opportunities at the shores of Lake Kivu given that it is a beautiful place attracting people seeking to spend weekends or holidays in a relaxing atmosphere.
Situated in close to 130 kilometers from Kigali City, Karongi is among districts with natural features and other touristic attractions luring visitors to prolong their stay.
Like many other districts, Karongi is characterized by a hilly topography with attractive features as well as cultural and historical vestiges of great significance to the country.
In consideration of these attractions, investors have been taking advantage of this opportunity to set up hospitality establishments for visitors to enjoy a memorable sojourn in the district.
So far, the district has registered over 10 hotels, majority of which being constructed at the shores of Lake Kivu.
IGIHE has learnt that the guests are in Karongi District since Tuesday 5th July 2022.
They have been hosted at Cleo Lake Kivu Hotel, a five-star facility located in Bwishyura sector at the shores of Lake Kivu. It has 10 rooms where the cheapest one is booked at US$200 per night.
In March 2022, President Paul Kagame received Chair and CEO of Doğuş Group, Ferit Şahenk and his delegation that came to Rwanda to explore investment opportunities in various sectors including hospitality and real estate.
Doğuş Group has the workforce of over 35,000 and serves more than five million clients.
Apart from investment in hotels and hospitality, the company also retails different car brands including Volkswagen, Audi, Porsche, Bentley, Lamborghini and Bugatti among others.
It is the mother company of prominent media houses owning popular TV stations including NTV, Star and Euro Star.
Its total assets is valued at 39,6 billion Turkish lira (over US$2,7$).
Tshisekedi made the disclosure during an interview with the Financial Times shortly before his flight to Angola for peace accords to seek a solution for escalating tensions between Rwanda and DRC.
“This possibility cannot be ruled out. If Rwanda’s provocation continues, we will not sit and do nothing about it. We are not weak. There is absolutely no doubt that Rwanda is backing the March 23rd Movement. We want peace, but if push comes to shove…at one point we will take action,” he said.
Tshisekedi also underscored that Rwanda is fighting in DRC ‘under the guise of M23’ and accused it of intentions to loot its natural resources.
“Rwanda is fighting in the DRC under the guise of the M23, which was defeated in 2013. Rwanda has illicit vested economic interests in the DRC. As long as order is not restored in the DRC, as long as lawlessness and insecurity prevail, Rwanda will take advantage of that,” he noted.
Tshisekedi makes the declaration at a time when Rwanda has been accusing his country of provocations where Congolese Army in collaboration with the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) shelled Rwandan territory three times and kidnapped two soldiers of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF).
FDLR is a terrorist outfit comprised of remnant masterminds of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi who at different times plotted hit-and-run attacks to Rwanda and repelled back.
Rwanda has also condemned hate speeches of Congolese against Rwandans.
The provocations escalated until a Congolese soldier crossed into Rwanda through Rubavu border on 17th June 2022, where he attacked Rwandan policemen with a rapid fire before he was shot dead.
During a press conference on 31st May 2022; Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Vincent Biruta said that Rwanda would not ‘idly sit by’ and watch the provocations in case DRC refuses to release abducted soldiers and continues shelling Rwandan territory.
“We have responsibilities to protect our citizens and country’s borderlines. A country defends itself against attacks. This means, if the issue persists, we cannot idly sit by and wait for repetitive shelling on our citizens every day or provocations to kidnap people anytime. It is among issues pointed out at the African Union Summit in Malabo. I clearly indicated that we have legitimacy to respond and defend ourselves, in case we are attacked,” he noted.
“We want such provocations to stop. We want these soldiers released. However, in case these attacks continue to threaten our country’s security, we would be legitimate to defend ourselves and you know that we have capacity,” Minister Biruta added.
Rwanda has maintained that DRC’s accusations are unfounded but insisted that the country backs FDLR, a terrorist group threatening Rwanda’s security.
On 5th July 2022, President Tshisekedi arrived in Angola for peace talks with his counterpart of Rwanda, Paul Kagame on the mediation of President Angola, João Lourenço.
The two heads of state also met recently at the third conclave for regional heads of state convened by the President of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta to find a lasting solution to security issues in eastern DRC.
Rwanda’s High Commissioner to Mozambique, Amb. Claude Nikobisanzwe has revealed that the flights to be operated by RwandAir are expected to stimulate an increase in the volume of business between the two countries which have recently strengthened cooperation in the political and commercial areas.
The flights are expected to commence in the first week of August.
Currently, Mozambicans travelling to Rwanda are not required to present a visa while Rwandans are necessitated to do so.
According to Club of Mozambique, the envoy has said that Rwanda would also like to see entry into Mozambique for its citizens eased, particularly as Mozambicans do not need a visa to enter Rwanda.
“I would like to say that our Rwandan airline will start direct flights from Maputo to Kigali, which will boost the movement of people and goods and stimulate trade. In principle, it will be in the first week of August. Mozambicans who have a normal passport can travel without needing a visa. We are in discussions with our counterpart, to see if we cannot have the same facility for Rwandans,” Amb. Nikobisanzwe explained.
Rwanda and Mozambique have cooperation in different areas particularly in defence matters where Rwanda sent troops to fight terrorists in the country’s Cabo Delgado Province.
Both parties are undergoing discussions for the possibility to exchange goods through the port of Nacala.
“We believe that the port of Nacala, with its deep waters, can help in this cooperation. We believe that trade between African countries can generate employment for African peoples, particularly Mozambicans, and contribute to all countries’ economies,” said Amb. Nikobisanzwe.
Recently, a delegation of 120 Rwandan entrepreneurs attended the Mozambique-Rwanda Business Forum to tap investment opportunities in the country.
Under existing relations, Mozambique currently exports sugar, ores and other mining products to Rwanda, but both parties want to see an increase in exports.
The duo include Henry Kwami Anyidoho and Joseph Narh Adinkra who held the rank of Major General as they served under the United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda (MINUAR) during Genocide against Tutsi which took lives of more than 1 million victims.
Gen Henry Kwami Anyidoho served as MINUAR Deputy Mission Commander and Commanded Ghanaian contingent under this mission while Gen Joseph Null Andinkra was a commanding officer of Ghanaian battalion.
The ceremony was held on Monday 4th July 2022 as Rwanda marked the 28th Liberation Day.
The National Order of Bravery (Indengabaganizi) is conferred to an individual or group of individuals who, in an exemplary way, demonstrated outstanding supreme acts of self-sacrifice in saving the life of one or many people.
Both Generals are commended for exemplary leadership and unfailing bravery where they ordered forces to continue protecting civilians who fled to them when other countries had withdrawn troops.
Maj Gen Anyidoho expressed delight to have received the medal as Rwanda celebrates the 28th Liberation Day and dedicated it to heroes who paid their ultimate price to liberate Rwanda as well as Ghanaians and Rwandans who lost their lives.
“At the time, the United Nations in new York was contemplating the decision to close down its mission in Rwanda in view of the deteriorating security situation. I said to myself as an African General who played a role in the mission, we cannot turn our backs on Rwanda.
I said, this is time that Rwandans need us the most. I therefore sought and obtained the approval from the Government of Ghana to retain a residual force to assist in addressing the deteriorating security situation in whichever way possible,” he said.
Gen Anyidoho also commended Rwanda’s remarkable progress for the past 28 years and Rwandans for leaving the past behind to move together along the development journey.
He said that the experiences of Rwandans also left lessons to the whole world which should prioritize peacekeeping as a pillar for development and advised African countries to always strive for peace irrespective of whatever differences.
President Kagame hailed the courage of the retiring soldiers for having chosen to stay in Rwanda instead of abandoning civilians who fled to them.
He revealed that the award presented to them did not come by accident as it was planned for long.
“I congratulate you, and thank you for your dedication and commitment. Where others fled or were withdrawn by their governments, leaving Rwandans to their fate, these officers remained and continued to lead their men and women, and did what was right to do,” he said.
“Through you, I convey our deep appreciation to the Government and people of Ghana for this decision. The Ghanaian battalion saved countless lives, under the most difficult circumstances. And there is no soldier involved who does not carry invisible wounds in his heart, to this day. A genocide produces no heroes. Simply doing one’s duty required exceptional courage, like these Generals did. Most failed the test. These officers did not,” added Kagame.
Ghana has around 850 troops deployed under MINUAR during Genocide against Tutsi.
The Head of State made the disclosure during an interview with RBA on Monday 4th July 2022 as Rwanda celebrated the Liberation Day.
He revealed that the issue of Kinyarwanda-speaking citizens in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) was ignored until they formed armed groups including M23 to stand for their rights.
Kagame stated that Rwanda shared views regarding the durable solution when M23 was attacked and defeated in 2013.
“There was a crisis in 2012. I think. And this crisis drew in all kinds of countries and regions including international institutions like the UN, big countries, powers that decide on many things. And they made one mistake which we pointed out at that time, that such matters are not resolved by force of arms, they don’t require more military solutions, they require more political solutions,” he said.
“They ignored what we were telling them. They just fought the so called M23 without even understanding why it was born and how it came to be, defeated it and the remnants fled to countries, mainly, one group went to Uganda and another group came to Rwanda,” added Kagame.
Despite the military defeat, the Head of State said that Rwanda kept reminding them that a political solution still needed to be applied to address their matters but nothing was done.
Kagame underscored that Kinyarwanda-speaking Congolese are citizens of the country where their presence in DRC should neither be blamed on Rwanda nor on Congo.
“How they became citizens of Congo cannot be blamed on Congo or cannot be blamed on Rwanda. […] How do you attain one point, just decide that you are going to declare people no longer citizens of their countries?” he wondered.
If their issues are not properly addressed, the Head of State observed that ‘the same people will always find ways of pushing back, fighting back and making sure that they belong to somewhere’.
“Saying that they belong to Rwanda is a big mistake because they have been in Congo all the years, and know Congo as their country,” he noted.
For the past few months, DRC has been accusing Rwanda of supporting M23 as the fighting between the rebel group and FARDC erupted.
However, a report released recently by UN experts on security issues in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) seemed to contradict the country’s accusations that Rwanda supports M23.
The UN report indicates that sources from the Expanded Joint Verification Mechanism (EJVM) do not point out any involvement of foreign countries in the resurgence of M23.
The EJVM is a mechanism of the International Conference of the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) composed of military officers from the 12 member countries that is charged with monitoring and verification of border violations between DRC and neighbouring countries.
During a recent interview with DW ; the Spokesperson of M23, Maj Willy Ngoma said that the rebel group M23 didn’t receive any support.
He disclosed that some of used weapons were kept in their hideouts after defeat in 2013 while others are bought from Congolese soldiers or seized during the ongoing fight.
The report indicated that ‘the resurgence of M23 was fuelled by failure to implement peace accords of 12th December 2013’.
It also reads that M23 held talks with DRC Government but were called off in September 2020.
The negotiations had prompted M23 to release a statement announcing that dialogues between the regime of President Tshisekedi were promising to yield good results.
It further reveals that M23 had not resumed fighting until November 2021 when it launched an attack on FARDC military position that saw the rebel group killing soldiers and stealing arms, military uniforms and telecommunication gadgets.
The experts went on explaining that M23 plotted more attacks on FARDC bases in Rutshuru one month later and January 2022. Since then, the report indicates that M23 attacked more regions including Tshanzu, Gisiza, Ndiza and Runyoni.
President Kagame has said that those accusing Rwanda of supporting the rebel group raise false allegations.
He however blamed the collaboration between MONUSCO and Congolese Army which teamed up with the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) during clashes with M23.
FDLR is comprised of remnant masterminds of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi who have been plotting different hit and run attacks on Rwanda.
