Rwandan embassy in Sweden replies to summons in the DR Congo situation

The Rwandan Embassy in Stockholm has replied to a request for information from Sweden’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding claims that Rwanda is involved in the ongoing conflict, pointing out that the European nation has remained silent about the persecution of Congolese Tutsi communities and has aligned itself with Belgium on the issue.

In response to Rwanda’s purported backing of the M23 rebels in the ongoing conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs called Rwanda’s ambassador to Stockholm.

Rwanda consistently denies these allegations, citing security worries over the DRC’s cooperation with the FDLR, a terrorist outfit located in the Democratic Republic of the Congo that was established by former leaders of the 1994 Rwandan Genocide against the Tutsi. The genocidal militia is the primary cause of the insecurity in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The FDLR has posed existential security risks to Rwanda because it is still a part of the Congolese national army (FARDC).

The Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC), Burundian troops, SADC troops, European mercenaries, and other militia organizations are fighting the M23 rebels together, while the FDLR has carried out at least 20 incursions on Rwandan territory.

Rwanda took action to stop the FDLR’s security threat from becoming a reality, according to the embassy.

When dangers appear only two kilometers from the border, only the RDF and the Commander-in-Chief may decide what defensive measures are required to save Rwandan lives. Blackmail or intimidation will not persuade Rwanda to jeopardize its national security, the declaration said.

Sweden’s stance on the situation was also questioned by the embassy, which claimed that it exhibited a double standard.

The statement also denounced Sweden’s lack of action on the suffering of Tutsi communities in Congo who have been subjected to ethnic persecution backed by the Congolese government.

The Swedish embassy also pointed out that Belgium, a former colonial power of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, had sided with Rwanda in the current issue.

“Sweden is uniquely positioned to adopt an unbiased and principled diplomatic stance in Rwanda because Nordic nations have no colonial history, no illicit mineral dealings, and no historical grievances,” the statement read.

“The international community has simplified the DR Congo crisis to the claim that M23 is supported by Rwanda.” Nonetheless, M23 is a Congolese movement with valid complaints from the Congo. The statement further stated that it arose as a result of the DR Congo government’s inability to uphold peace accords and defend the rights of Congolese who speak Kinyarwanda, especially Tutsi groups, who still face systematic persecution, displacement, and targeted killings.

The UN and European actors were highlighted in the embassy’s criticism of the larger international response to the war. The UN Security Council’s mandate, which permits MONUSCO to support the SADC mission—a force that is in line with FARDC, FDLR, and European mercenaries—was cited.

“The FDLR and FARDC have been confirmed to cooperate by the UN, but the DR Congo government has not been subjected to any punitive actions.”

The Swedish government’s failure to denounce attacks against Rwanda, especially the FDLR’s June 2022 bombardment of Rwandan territory, was also raised by the embassy.

Given this, Rwanda has fulfilled its humanitarian commitments by accepting refugees, including FARDC soldiers and FDLR elements, assisting with MONUSCO and UN officials’ evacuations, and ensuring the safe passage of almost 300 European mercenaries who were recruited to fight in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.

According to the statement, “Sweden’s silence on the illegal recruitment of European mercenaries by the DR Congo government is also noted.”

Sweden was encouraged by the embassy to respect and back the African-led mediation process, which was recently strengthened by the African Union Summit and the joint EAC-SADC Summit.

Rwanda stated that a secure border and the abolition of violent ethnic extremism in the area continue to be its goals.

It stated that the shortcomings of the DR Congo government and the inactivity of the international community must no longer be allowed to feed conflict cycles.