Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe, has advised Congolese citizens from the Banyamulenge community who appeared in the United States and declared their support for the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to visit areas controlled by FARDC-FDLR-Wazalendo-FDNB coalition, so that they can see for themselves what is happening there.
This follows statements by Patrick Muyaya, the Minister of Communication and Media and Government Spokesperson of the DRC, who said he met with these Congolese citizens in Washington, D.C., in the United States.
Muyaya stated that members of the Banyamulenge community he met claimed to have condemned the M23 armed group, which they alleged is supported by Rwanda.
He also said they claimed that “Some of our brothers have been forcibly taken to Rwanda after being compelled to leave Uvira.”
Additionally, Muyaya said that these Congolese Banyamulenge praised President Félix Tshisekedi and their government for their ability to confront the challenges facing the country.
Muyaya explained that these remarks were made during a one-hour meeting held in Washington, and he thanked them for their love of their country and for their efforts in facing its difficulties.
This comes despite the fact that, for a long time, Congolese Banyamulenge have been subjected to abuses by their own government abuses which, according to reports, continue to this day through collaboration between the Congolese army (FARDC) and the FDLR armed group.
Responding to Muyaya’s message, which included photos of his meeting with the Congolese Banyamulenge, Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe, advised that it would be better for them to travel to Congo and witness the situation on the ground themselves.
He said:“A media-orchestrated encounter in fine Washington salons, that’s nice, but an unguided visit by those individuals to areas controlled by the FARDC-FDLR-Wazalendo-FDNB coalition, that would be so much better.”
Congolese Banyamulenge remain among those most affected by abuses committed by the Congolese government in collaboration with groups supporting FARDC in its fight against AFC/M23. They continue to face mistreatment, with some being killed, others looted, and homes being burned in broad daylight.
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