Rwandan President, Paul Kagame declined to confirm whether Rwandan troops are currently active in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) when questioned.
United Nations experts estimate that between 3,000 and 4,000 Rwandan soldiers are providing oversight and assistance to M23 fighters in eastern DRC, reportedly outnumbering the rebel forces, which recently claimed to have taken control of Goma.
In a CNN interview on February 3, Kagame said, “I don’t know,” despite his role as commander-in-chief of the Rwandan Defence Force, while acknowledging that Rwanda has a vested interest in addressing issues in Congo that threaten its security.
The UN has reported that at least 900 bodies have been recovered from Goma amid escalating violence.
The M23 spokesperson, Victor Tesongo, denied any support from Rwanda, labeling such claims as attempts to manipulate public perception, and emphasized that Rwanda is primarily focused on combating the FDLR, a group allied with the Congolese government.
DRC Communications Minister Patrick Muyaya asserted that Rwanda's military presence in the DRC is well-documented, stating that Kagame is the only one denying it.
In the last ten days, various entities including the UN Group of Experts, the UN Security Council, the UN Secretary-General, Angolan President João Lourenço, and SADC have all acknowledged the presence of Rwandan military forces in eastern DRC.
Muyaya responded to Kagame's CNN interview by saying that "Kagame" is the sole figure disputing this consensus, emphasizing that the international community's agreement is clear and undeniable.
During the interview, "Larry Madowo "drew parallels between Kagame and Russian President Vladimir Putin, who supported separatist forces in Ukraine's Donbas region in 2014.
Kagame remarked that such comparisons would generate numerous narratives, asserting that he cannot control public perception.
He expressed a sense of resignation to being labeled in various ways, emphasizing the need for Rwanda to navigate challenges and ensure its survival.
Kagame described the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) as a significant threat to Rwanda's security, claiming that the group is closely linked with the Congolese military and suggesting regional governmental support for the rebels.
He firmly stated that Rwanda would take all necessary measures to safeguard its interests, asserting that no external entity, including the UN, would intervene on its behalf.
When pressed about troop deployments to the DRC, Kagame reiterated Rwanda's commitment to self-defense, urging Madowo to interpret his statements as he sees fit.
The ongoing conflict between Rwanda and the DRC has intensified, particularly following the M23's incursion into Goma, with Rwandan government spokesperson Yolande Makolo reporting 16 fatalities in Rwanda due to recent shelling.