Meteorologia

  • 15 NOVEMBER 2024
Tempo
13º
MIN 13º MÁX 18º

DR Congo leader says war with Rwanda "possible"

Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi warned today that "it is possible" for a war to break out with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), in an interview with the French newspaper Le Figaro.

DR Congo leader says war with Rwanda "possible"
Notícias ao Minuto

15:59 - 03/05/24 por Lusa

Mundo Félix Tshisekedi

Violent fighting has been raging for months in the east of the DRC, where government forces are facing the M23 rebel movement, backed by Rwanda.

"It is clear that war is possible, I will not hide it," said Tshisekedi, who was on an official visit to France earlier this week.

"This country, which is our neighbor, is violating our territory to loot critical minerals and terrorize the population," the Congolese head of state accused once again, denouncing "the inertia of the international community," which Kinshasa is asking to adopt sanctions against Rwanda.

Kigali denies any involvement, but the international community, including France and the United States, believes that Rwanda supports the M23 and has committed forces to the east.

"The M23 is an empty shell! There may only be 500 militiamen. No, it is Rwandan soldiers who are spreading death on our soil," continued Tshisekedi, who believes he received support during his visit from Paris, which also maintains good relations with Kigali.

"I want to postpone this deadline as much as possible, because I prefer to put all our energy and wealth into the development of the 145 territories of the DRC and not into the war effort," said Tshisekedi.

Asked about the possibility of opening talks with his Rwandan counterpart, Paul Kagame, he stressed that Angolan mediation is working in this direction.

"Our delegations will meet in Luanda in the coming days to work and find common ground. I am asking for one simple thing: that Rwanda withdraw its troops from Congolese territory," he added.

Backed by units of the Rwandan army, the M23 rebels (March 23 Movement) took up arms again at the end of 2021 and seized large areas of territory in North Kivu, coming to almost entirely surround Goma.

The city has more than a million inhabitants and almost a million displaced people, who have been arriving in successive waves since the start of the rebel offensive.

Read Also: At least 9 dead in a displaced persons camp in the DRC (Portuguese version)

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