The Government of Rwanda has strongly rejected sanctions imposed by the United States, describing them as unjust and misrepresenting the reality of the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.
In a statement issued Monday by the Office of the Government Spokesperson, Rwanda accused Washington of targeting only one party to the peace process, arguing that the measures distort the facts on the ground.
Kigali alleged that the DRC has carried out consistent drone strikes and ground offensives in violation of ceasefire agreements, resulting in civilian casualties. It defended the actions of the Rwandan Defence Force (RDF), stating that protecting the country “is a badge of honour” proudly upheld by its armed forces.
The statement further claimed that the DRC coalition includes foreign mercenaries, state-backed ethnic militias known as Wazalendo, and the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a group Kigali describes as a genocidal militia operating alongside the Congolese army, FARDC.
Rwanda said that under the Washington Accords, the DRC committed to an “irreversible and verifiable” end to state support for the FDLR and associated militias but has failed to take concrete steps toward that goal.
Kigali reiterated that it remains committed to disengaging its forces, but only in tandem with the DRC fulfilling its own obligations under the agreement.
The government welcomed the resumption of the implementation process, including the Joint Oversight Committee, and called for what it described as an even-handed approach from international partners.
