Kagame Makes Plea to Ruto After Tense AU Meeting
On Saturday, February 17, Rwandan President Paul Kagame appealed for the revival of the Nairobi Process, spearheaded by former President Uhuru Kenyatta. The initiative aims to foster peace and stability in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
After a tense African Union (AU) gathering, Kagame stated that his country would unhesitatingly defend and not express regret for ensuring the safety of its citizens.
During the meeting, Kagame additionally informed the Heads of State that Rwanda would not request authorization for such actions.
In a document from AU, as observed by Gossipa2z, Kagame’s comments in the meeting had been removed from the official communication.
“Rwanda is deeply concerned by the abandonment of the Luanda and Nairobi Processes by the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo, and by the international community’s indifference to DRC’s dramatic military build-up,” Rwandan foreign ministry released a statement moments after the AU Summit.
While Rwanda stated that the peace initiative led by President Uhuru Kenyatta had been neglected, the African Union, in its communication, expressed the opposite view.
AU expressed serious worry about the worsening humanitarian conditions in the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), attributing the situation to the actions of M23 rebels supported by Rwanda.
“The AU reiterates its call for M23, Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) and other armed groups to unconditionally cease hostilities, disarm and engage in dialogue through the Luanda and Nairobi processes,” AU threw its weight behind Uhuru’s efforts.
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Rwanda asserts in its defense that the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is currently engaged in military operations, violating regional decisions, and intending to force out both M23 rebels and civilians to nearby nations.
“The recent M23 advances are due to the DRC’s decision to expel the East African Community Regional Force in December 2023, which oversaw ceasefire and withdrawal efforts,” Kagame defended his stance.
Included in the forces that have been pulled out of the Democratic Republic of the Congo are personnel from the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF).
Kagame additionally claimed that President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of the Congo had intentions to invade Rwanda to bring about a change in government.
Furthermore, Rwanda criticized a statement from the United States that held Kagame’s government responsible for the worsening conditions in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
“The statement issued by the U.S. Department of State stands in puzzling contradiction with the substance and tone of the confidence-building process initiated by the U.S. Director of National Intelligence in November 2023, which created a productive framework for de-escalation,” Kagame’s administration stated.
Kagame Makes Plea to Ruto After Tense AU Meeting