Rwanda 'regrets' expulsion of its ambassador by DR Congo

KIGALI, Rwanda

The Rwandan government on Sunday regretted a decision by the Congolese government to expel its ambassador as tensions escalated over the M23 rebels fighting government troops in eastern Congo.

Vincent Karega, who was appointed Rwanda’s ambassador to Kinshasa in 2019, was Saturday given 48 hours to leave the country over allegations that Rwanda backs Congolese M23 rebels following renewed clashes with the government troops in North Kivu province.

“Rwanda notes with regret the decision by the government of the DRC to expel Rwandan Ambassador Vincent Karega,” a statement by the government’s spokesperson said.

The expulsion of the envoy came on the day M23 fighters captured the towns of Kiwanja and Rutshuru in North Kivu province.

“Rwandan security forces at our border with the DRC remain on alert, as we continue to monitor the Congolese escalation,” the statement said.

It was the latest action taken by the government in Kinshasa against Karega.

In May, the Congolese Foreign Ministry summoned Karega over the allegations concerning M23 rebels.

Rwanda reiterated its concern over what it called continued collusion between the Congolese armed forces with the Rwandan rebels of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda, based in Congo.

Rwanda also denounced what it said are “attempts to target the border area with heavy weaponry, as well as the bellicose anti-Rwanda rhetoric being broadcast by DRC officials.”

It also appealed to the international community to take action over alleged persistent hate speech, public incitement, and violent harassment against Rwandans and Congolese Kinyarwanda-speaking communities in DR Congo.

DR Congo has persistently accused Rwanda of backing M23 rebels, a charge Rwanda denies.

On Sunday, Kigali said it was regrettable the Congolese government continued to “scapegoat Rwanda to cover up and distract from their own governance and security failures.”

“Rwanda remains committed to contributing to a sustainable, peaceful regional security solution within the agreed regional frameworks, including the Luanda Roadmap and the Nairobi Process.”