Paul Kagame, President of Rwanda, announced that Kigali is ready to lift its “defensive measures” in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, provided Kinshasa fulfills its obligations under the Washington-brokered peace accord.
Speaking to diplomats in Kigali, Kagame emphasized that Rwanda’s actions are aimed solely at securing its borders and addressing threats from the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), whose extremist ideology is tied to the 1994 genocide. He stressed that all parties must meet the same standards outlined in the agreement.
The Washington accords, signed in December by Kagame and Felix Tshisekedi, called for a ceasefire, troop withdrawals, and the cessation of support for militias, including M23 and other non-state armed groups. Kagame criticized recent military build-ups and operations by pro-government militias and Burundian forces in South Kivu, saying these actions undermine the accord.
The announcement comes after the US State Department imposed visa restrictions on senior Rwandan officials accused of fueling instability in eastern Congo. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said violations of the Washington Accords by supporting M23 are driving violence and destabilizing the Great Lakes region.
Kagame concluded that Rwanda remains committed to lifting its defensive measures once the DRC complies with the accord, underlining the need for reciprocal action to secure lasting peace.
Source: TRT Africa
