Prime 9ja Online reports that the United Nations has accused Rwanda of deploying between 3,000 to 4,000 troops in eastern Congo, operating alongside the M23 rebel group, in violation of Congo's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
According to a report by UN experts, Rwanda's "systematic support and presence" is a sanctionable act, and their deployment has enabled M23's territorial conquest. The experts estimate that the Rwandan troops are deployed in three regions of eastern North Kivu - Nyiragongo, Rutshuru, and Masisi.
The report states that Rwanda's forces have "de facto control and direction" over M23 operations, rendering Rwanda liable for M23's actions. The experts documented the proliferation and use of advanced military technology and equipment, mainly from Rwanda, by M23 and Rwandan forces in violation of a UN arms embargo.
The conflict in eastern Congo has resulted in armed violence, with over 120 groups fighting for power, land, and resources, leading to accusations of mass killings. Congo's President Felix Tshisekedi and US and UN experts have accused Rwanda of giving military backing to M23. Rwanda denies the claim, but in February, it effectively admitted having troops and missile systems in eastern Congo to safeguard its security.
The root of the crisis is the 1994 Rwanda genocide, which saw over 800,000 ethnic Tutsis and moderate Hutus killed. The M23 rebels are largely Congolese ethnic Tutsis, and Rwanda's president, Paul Kagame, a Tutsi, is credited with stopping the genocide. However, the conflict has led to accusations of ethnic cleansing, with Rwandan Ambassador Ernest Rwamucyo telling the Security Council that Congolese Tutsis are being ethnically cleansed by armed groups.
A humanitarian truce began last Friday, but violence continues, with the UN expressing concern over the rapid expansion of M23's attacks. The top UN official in Congo, special envoy Bintou Keita, told the council that she was extremely concerned at the continuing rapid expansion of attacks by M23 and its capture of several strategic locations in eastern North Kivu in the last two weeks, and the spillover into neighbouring South Kivu.
The experts' report has raised concerns over the conflict's regional implications, with the potential to destabilize the Great Lakes region. The UN has called for an immediate end to hostilities and a diplomatic solution to the crisis.