“Don’t Threaten Us Over Goma Conflict, M23 Rebels Are Congolese" Kagame Hits Out At Ramaphosa

Rwandan President Paul Kagame has hit out at South African President Cyril Ramaphosa over the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Kagame made it clear that Rwanda will not be intimidated by threats regarding the crisis in Goma, a city in eastern DRC currently facing attacks by the M23 rebel group.

Speaking firmly, Kagame insisted that the M23 rebels are Congolese and not Rwandans, as some claim.

“These are Congolese people fighting their own government. Rwanda has nothing to do with it,” he said.

He warned that attempts to blame Rwanda for the crisis would not solve the real issues affecting the region.

The diplomatic tension between Rwanda and South Africa has increased in recent weeks. Ramaphosa, during a recent speech, warned external forces against destabilizing the DRC.

His remarks were widely seen as a message to Rwanda, which has often been accused of supporting M23 rebels.

However, Kagame dismissed these accusations and challenged Ramaphosa to focus on the real problems facing the region.

“We have been blamed for too long. But let me ask, is Rwanda the reason why the DRC has had instability for decades? We should be talking about how to bring peace, not pointing fingers,” Kagame stated.

The M23 rebel group has been advancing towards Goma, causing panic among civilians.

Thousands of people have fled their homes, seeking safety in other areas.

The DRC government has accused Rwanda of backing the rebels, a claim Kigali strongly denies.

Kagame also questioned why the international community was quick to blame Rwanda while ignoring the failures of the DRC government.

“We are tired of these accusations. Instead of threats, why not find a solution that benefits the people suffering from this crisis?” he asked.

The tension between Rwanda and DRC is not new. For years, relations between the two neighbors have been strained over security issues in eastern Congo.

The presence of armed groups in the region, including M23, has made peace difficult to achieve.