Rwanda Defence Forces Accused Of Supporting Rebel Group M23

Last updated on March 30th, 2022 at 07:06 am

In response to a recent accusation that Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF) has been supporting rebel group M23, governor of the Western Province has refuted the claims. Governor Francois Habitegeko, refused the accusations that have been doing rounds after many months of suspicion and mistrust building between both sides. It was being seen that Rwanda Defense Forces were probably backing the latest M23 attacks in Tshanzi and Runyoni in DR Congo.

The claims have been made by General Sylvain Ekenge, spokesman for the military governor of North Kivu province, that the “March 23 Movement” was being supported by the Western province governor. He has further said that the RDF “carried out incursions and attacked FARDC (Congolese Armed Forces) positions in Tchanzu and Runyoni, in the Rutshuru territory”.

Related Posts

In response, François Habitegeko said, the accusations were baseless, and that the Rwandan army “is in no way involved in warlike activities” in the DRC, he added. Substantiating on these claims, Congolese General Ekenge said two Rwandan soldiers had been arrested during the recent attacks and gave their identities: Warrant Officer Jean-Pierre Habyarimana and Private John Uwajeneza Muhindi, alias Zaje, of the 65th Battalion of the 402nd RDF Brigade.

Refuting this claim too, Mr. Habitegeko said that these two men were arrested “more than a month ago”, the Rwandan governor said, adding that the Rwandan army did not have any soldiers with the names mentioned.

Also known as the “Congolese Revolutionary Army”, the M23 stems from a former Congolese Tutsi rebellion once supported by Rwanda and Uganda, countries bordering this province which has been plagued by violence from numerous armed groups for over 25 years. Defeated in 2013 by the Congolese army, the M23 has been in the news again since November, when it was accused of attacking several military positions. The movement blames the Kinshasa authorities for not respecting commitments made for the demobilisation and reintegration of its fighters.

Albert Echetah

Recent Posts

Laura Wolvaardt Calls for More Women’s Test Matches

South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt wants cricket authorities to arrange more Test matches for women because Test cricket represents the…

March 16, 2025

Trump Administration Expels South African Ambassador Over Critical Comments

The United States issued Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool a one-way travel ticket from South Africa to show decreasing trust between the…

March 15, 2025

South African Coffee Giant Vida e Caffè Marks 300th Store Milestone

Vida e Caffè achieved a major milestone when they opened their 300th South African outlet in Secunda Mpumalanga making it…

March 14, 2025

Iran Announces New Shipping Line to West Africa Over Economic Push

The Trade Promotion Organization of Iran revealed its plan to launch a special shipping line to West Africa through its…

March 14, 2025

Africa’s Rare Earth Sector Set to Transform Global Supply Chain by 2030

Expansion in the global rare earth industry makes Africa stand out by predicting this region will reach 10% market supply…

March 13, 2025

Mining Veteran Ben Magara Named New Exxaro CEO

Exxaro Resources Limited chose Ben Magara to lead the company as CEO starting April 1, 2025. The firm conducted an…

March 13, 2025

This website uses cookies.