Rwanda’s Aggression in Congo: A Parallel to Russian Tactics in Ukraine
M23 rebels captured Goma, leading to violence and displacement in Congo, akin to Russia’s actions in Ukraine. Rwanda supports M23, claiming to protect local Tutsis while exploiting Congolese territory. This situation reflects a worrying trend of diminishing respect for sovereignty in international relations, demanding a stronger global response.
On January 27, the rebel group M23 took control of Goma, Congo’s largest city, resulting in violence that killed several UN peacekeepers and forced hundreds of thousands to flee. To put this in perspective, one could compare the situation to Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea, where Vladimir Putin supported local separatists under the guise of protecting Russian-speaking citizens.
Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame has adopted similar tactics to those employed by Russia. M23 is backed by Rwanda’s military, which claims to defend Congolese Tutsis from exaggerated threats. This covert operation by Rwanda effectively allows it to gain control over Congolese territory while denying direct involvement, with Rwandan troops actively assisting M23 in Congo.
Congo is suffering from extensive instability, with ongoing conflicts displacing around 8 million people, including 400,000 in the past month. The region is plagued by violence and looting, with armed groups acting with impunity. It is notable that Rwanda has emerged as a significant gold exporter despite having minimal gold resources, indicating its exploitation of Congo’s mineral wealth.
However, there are differences between the Rwanda-Congo situation and Russia’s actions in Ukraine. Unlike Putin, Kagame has not formally annexed land. Moreover, Congo lacks the democratic structure seen in Ukraine, with numerous armed factions operating in the east. Nevertheless, Rwanda’s exploitation appears to mimic a puppet state scenario resembling the one in Donbas.
Rwanda’s aggressive actions reflect a disturbing trend in global politics, as long-standing norms against territorial conquest appear to be eroding. This trend is evident not only in Africa and Eastern Europe but also in tensions involving other global powers like China and the U.S.
The M23 insurrection is not new; it first emerged in 2012 but was quelled by a stronger UN presence and international pressure. Today, however, the geopolitical landscape has shifted, with Rwanda benefiting from stronger ties to countries like China and Turkey, and a less cohesive international response to its actions.
Rwanda remains heavily reliant on foreign aid, and it is crucial for donor nations to apply pressure on Kagame’s regime to cease its interventions in Congo. The U.S. could leverage its military relationship with Rwanda to modify Kagame’s behavior. A lack of intervention risks a return to colonial-like territorial rights, perpetuating violence and instability in the region.
This article discusses the ongoing conflict in Congo, centered around the seizure of Goma by the M23 rebel group, which draws parallels to Russia’s annexation of parts of Ukraine. It highlights the geopolitical implications of Rwanda’s support for M23, reflecting a broader trend of territorial disputes in international relations. The article emphasizes the need for stronger international intervention to uphold sovereignty and prevent the normalization of aggressive territorial acquisition.
The article illustrates the serious implications of Rwanda’s actions in Congo, comparing them to Russia’s tactics in Ukraine. The potential normalization of territorial conquest poses risks to global stability and sovereignty. It calls on international stakeholders to assertively address these violations and stresses the necessity of a coordinated response to maintain the integrity of national borders.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
