DR Congo Army Claims Video of Handover of Hutu Rebels is Fabricated

The DRC military denied capturing 20 alleged Hutu rebels, claiming the handover video to Rwanda was staged. The M23 group, backed by Rwanda, asserted the capture of FDLR fighters, emphasizing ongoing tensions. The DRC accused Rwanda of manipulating the situation and violating humanitarian laws, raising fears of a broader regional conflict.

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) military has refuted claims that it captured 20 fighters associated with the Rwandan genocide, labeling a video of their handover to Rwanda as fabricated. This response followed the M23 armed group, which is supported by Rwanda, asserting they had taken FDLR militia members, originally formed by Hutu perpetrators of the 1994 genocide, into custody. The DRC army contends this incident was staged to undermine its credibility.

The DRC high command criticized the M23 for purportedly staging the handover to legitimize Rwanda’s military involvement in the region. They argued that the captured individuals were likely former detainees in new military attire, misleadingly presented as newly captured fighters. Additionally, the DRC accused the Rwandan military of engaging in war crimes, specifically citing the summary executions of their wounded soldiers.

As tensions continue to rise in eastern DRC, there are increasing concerns regarding the potential for the conflict to expand regionally, involving Rwanda, Uganda, and possibly other nations in a wider war. This scenario poses significant threats to security and stability in Central Africa, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the ongoing violence and political maneuvering underlying the conflict.

In summary, the Democratic Republic of Congo’s military has challenged claims regarding the handover of alleged Hutu fighters to Rwanda, deeming the event as staged propaganda. The situation reflects deeper issues tied to regional tensions influenced by Rwanda’s historical ties to armed groups in the DRC. The potential for escalating conflict jeopardizes not only DRC’s stability but also regional peace, highlighting urgent humanitarian and diplomatic needs.

Original Source: jordantimes.com