DR Congo crisis: According to Makolo, Rwanda only wants its citizens to be safe

Yolande Makolo, a spokesman for the Rwandan government, has underlined that the nation wants its citizens to be safe and secure and that the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a neighboring country, should make a commitment to peaceful measures to address long-standing risks to regional stability.

Makolo emphasized in an interview with Ghanaian television station Joy News on Tuesday, March 4, that Rwandans must live in peace without fear of cross-border militias, especially the FDLR, a terrorist organization based in the Democratic Republic of the Congo that was established by former leaders of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

The Congolese army and its coalition allies are stationed close to Rwanda’s border, which Makolo said poses a direct threat to national security.

They have been congregating around our border for the past few years in preparation for an assault on Rwanda. This is where the issue lies. We just want peace in the area and safety and security for our people so that we can carry on with the vital task of development, which is only possible with stability,” she continued.

Makolo emphasized the value of regional cooperation while restating Rwanda’s commitment to an African-led mediation mechanism to resolve the conflict.

She cited a deal signed in February between the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the East African Community (EAC), which the African Union later approved.

She emphasized the necessity of backing a new regional mechanism that is being negotiated by former Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, and former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Their job is to help find a long-term political solution to the problem. We urge the DR Congo to show the political will required for a peaceful resolution instead of turning to military solutions, which have only caused pain, and Rwanda is completely committed to this process,” she said.

Makolo brushed aside concerns about the efficacy of regional solutions when questioned about critiques of Africa’s capacity to handle the problem.
“The best and most viable path to peace,” she stated, is the African-led process.

Makolo also attacked the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo, claiming that it has failed to protect its people and has permitted militias to rule its eastern territory.

In order to maintain regional peace and security, she encouraged the Democratic Republic of the Congo to assume accountability for the safety of its citizens.

The UK’s decision to halt aid to Rwanda

When asked about the UK government’s recent statement that aid to Rwanda will be suspended due to its alleged participation in the crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Makolo said the action was punitive and politically motivated.

It’s a punitive measure. Development assistance is being politicized by them. We value the UK’s significant support as a partner in Rwanda’s development. But it is unfair to punish Rwandans for putting national security first. Rather, they ought to assist us in preserving stability and advancement,” she stated.

She said that even though DR Congo actively contributed to the crisis’ escalation, the UK was supporting the country.

“DR Congo has not been able to secure its citizens or govern its territory.” Some international actors are preferring to penalize Rwanda rather than hold them accountable. Since there can be no progress without safety, we will not be coerced into jeopardizing our national security.

She went on to say, “We cannot be held accountable for the chaos in DR Congo, a country the size of Western Europe that still persecutes its own people.”

She also mentioned the predicament of Congolese Tutsi refugees who have been in Rwanda for almost thirty years because of instability, saying that they should only be allowed to go back home if it is safe to do so.

Instead of taking punitive action, she called on all parties involved, including international partners, to support the African mediation process and reiterated Rwanda’s support for it.