UNSC Investigation Claims Rwandan Forces, M23 Rebels Jointly Attacked DRC

United Nations Security Council (UNSC) experts have claimed that Rwandan troops attacked soldiers inside the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and helped and supported the M23 rebel group, reported The TRT World.

The findings by independent experts from the UNSC follow months of deepening tensions between the DR Congo and Rwanda over the notorious M23. The DRC has repeatedly accused the Rwanda government of supporting and aiding the militia, which has captured swathes of territory in recent months. Kigali has repeatedly denied any involvement.

According to the 131-page confidential report obtained by Reuters, Rwanda allegedly launched military interventions inside DRC territory since November last year.

The UNSC report claims that Rwanda also provided troop reinforcements for specific M23 operations that were particularly aimed at seizing strategic towns and areas.

In a statement, Yolande Makolo, a Rwandan government spokesperson, described the allegations as unvalidated and stressed that the country had the right to defend itself. She said an earlier report by the experts’ group released in June cited none of the false allegations.

DRC government spokesman Patrick Muyaya commended the UN group’s investigation on Thursday.

“The truth always triumphs in the end. We hope that conclusions will be drawn quickly to put an end to Rwanda’s interference and bring back lasting peace,” Muyaya wrote on Twitter.

The UNSC investigation found that M23 rebels and Rwandan forces jointly attacked a large military base in the DRC’s Rumangabo on May 25, just a day after Rwandan forces had entered into the DRC.

The report said that about 1,000 Rwandan troops also cut the main highway leading to the provincial capital Goma and attacked DRC positions.

The UNSC investigation report claimed that Rwandan soldiers were in the vicinity on the eve of the attack on Bunagana, and on the day itself.

Some 300 Rwandan troops also conducted operations against rebel groups in eastern DRC, such as the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR).