The spokesperson of the Government of Rwanda, Yolande Makolo, has rejected claims by the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The DRC had accused AFC/M23 of attacking the Banyamulenge community. However, Makolo said these claims are misleading. She stated that the attacks are actually carried out by the Congolese army (FARDC), working with Burundian forces and Wazalendo militias.
Response to Patrick Muyaya’s Statement
Makolo made these remarks in response to DRC Government Spokesperson Patrick Muyaya. He had claimed that all attacks against Banyamulenge in Minembwe were carried out by M23. In contrast, Makolo said this statement shifts blame away from the real actors.
Accusations of Blame Shifting
Makolo described Muyaya’s statement as a deliberate tactic to distort the truth. She said:
“Accusing others of what you are doing—where the perpetrator shifts blame onto the victims. This is often used to incite violence or even genocide, by distorting the truth so that the attacker appears as if they are acting in self-defense, while those responsible evade accountability.”
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Longstanding Tensions and Misinformation
According to Rwanda, the DRC has for many years spread misinformation in its conflict with AFC/M23. Even when ceasefires are agreed upon, FARDC—together with Burundian forces, the FDLR, and other allied groups—has allegedly continued attacks in areas controlled by AFC/M23.
Ceasefire Agreements and Continued Violence
Peace talks held in Doha led to agreements on a ceasefire and confidence-building measures. These included the exchange of prisoners between the DRC and AFC/M23. However, despite these commitments, FARDC has reportedly continued shelling civilian areas, causing deaths and destruction.
Call for Lasting Peace
Rwanda maintains that lasting peace in the region depends on addressing the root causes of the conflict. In particular, it stresses the need to dismantle the FDLR, an armed group accused of spreading genocidal ideology. Rwanda argues that without this step, peace efforts will remain fragile.
