Rwanda Warns of Growing Security Threats from Armed Groups in DR Congo

Rwanda has voiced serious concerns about escalating insecurity in eastern DR Congo, warning that the presence of hostile armed groups near its borders poses a significant threat to regional stability. During a meeting in Kigali, Rwanda’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Gen (Rtd) James Kabarebe, conveyed these concerns to the European Union (EU) Special Envoy for the Great Lakes region, Ambassador Johan Borgstam.

Kabarebe highlighted the growing risk posed by a coalition of armed factions, including the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), Burundian troops, Wazalendo militias, and European mercenaries operating in the conflict-ridden region. He described their presence as an existential security challenge for Rwanda, demanding urgent action to neutralize these groups.

Amid mounting tensions, Kabarebe dismissed attempts to draw parallels between the DR Congo conflict and the war in Ukraine, labeling them as misleading distractions. He accused the Congolese government of failing to address internal instability, pointing to the proliferation of over 200 armed groups and continued persecution of Congolese Tutsi communities.

“Our sovereignty has been violated more than 20 times since 2018. Rwanda cannot remain passive while these threats persist,” Kabarebe stated, reaffirming the country’s commitment to defending its borders.

He also criticized the role of external actors in shaping the region’s geopolitics, asserting that certain international players bear responsibility for fueling instability.

Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed dissatisfaction with European policy decisions, arguing that punitive measures against Rwanda only hinder African-led peace efforts. It accused the DR Congo government of using international sanctions as a cover for internal governance failures, corruption, and human rights abuses.

“The EU must take a more constructive role in supporting peace rather than entangling security matters in broader political interests,” the ministry stated.

While Ambassador Borgstam has yet to respond publicly, EU officials have previously reiterated their commitment to fostering stability through diplomatic engagements with all stakeholders.

As international focus on the conflict intensifies, International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor Karim Khan visited DR Congo this week to reinforce efforts in investigating alleged crimes. Meanwhile, UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, held discussions in Kinshasa to support UN Resolution 2773, aimed at addressing security concerns in the region.

Rwanda’s Foreign Minister, Olivier Nduhungirehe, dismissed concerns about diplomatic isolation, asserting that the country remains steadfast in protecting its sovereignty.

“What we fear is not sanctions, but leaving our nation vulnerable to forces that have a history of committing genocide,” Nduhungirehe stated, reinforcing Rwanda’s firm stance on national security.