MWE Correspondent
The government of Rwanda has strongly rejected recent allegations by the United Nations that its military is backing the M23 rebel group active in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
In an official statement, Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs dismissed the accusations as baseless and warned that such claims could undermine ongoing diplomatic efforts and peace negotiations aimed at resolving the prolonged conflict in the region.
The allegations came after Volker Türk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, voiced serious concern over the killing of 319 civilians by the M23 rebels in July 2025, despite an agreed ceasefire. The M23, which reignited its armed campaign in 2021, has seized multiple territories in eastern DRC, an area known for its rich mineral deposits, triggering a severe humanitarian crisis.
The UN report highlighted grave violations of human rights and international humanitarian law, linking M23 to widespread atrocities that have destabilized the already volatile Great Lakes region.
Rwanda firmly denied any involvement with the rebels, reaffirming its commitment to peace and stability in the region. It urged the international community to prioritize dialogue and peaceful resolution over unproven accusations.
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The situation remains complex, with various regional actors vying for influence amid the DRC’s ongoing struggles with armed groups fueled in part by competition over mineral resources. The violence has caused mass displacement and suffering for thousands of civilians, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive peace and humanitarian efforts.
Regional bodies such as the East African Community and the African Union continue to back mediation initiatives to foster lasting peace between the Congolese government and rebel factions.
Observers emphasize the importance of impartial investigations and credible reporting to hold those responsible accountable while advancing sustainable peace in this fragile region of Central Africa.
