The Rwandan government has accused a coalition of regional forces operating in eastern DR Congo including the Congolese government and FDLR rebels of plotting an invasion of its territory.
In a statement issued by Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, officials claimed that investigations following M23’s capture of Goma revealed that the coalition’s objective extended beyond fighting M23, allegedly aiming to launch an attack on Rwanda.
Olivier Nduhungirehe, the head of the Ministry, stated that evidence of this plan had been uncovered in Goma, a city recently seized by M23 movement.
Neither the Congolese government, Burundi, nor the Southern African Development Community (SADC) has publicly responded to these accusations.
Nduhungirehe further accused the Congolese government of persisting with “plans to attack Rwanda and overthrow its government.” He pointed out that President Félix Tshisekedi had made similar statements openly.
He rejected allegations from SADC during a January 31, 2025 summit in Harare, Zimbabwe, which accused Rwandan Defense Forces (RDF) of collaborating with M23 movement to attack Congolese forces, SADC troops, and civilians in North Kivu.
“The RDF solely defends Rwanda’s borders to protect its citizens and does not target civilians,” Nduhungirehe emphasized.
These comments came after Burundi’s President Evariste Ndayishimiye alleged that Rwanda was preparing an attack on Burundi, claiming Kigali was training young Burundian refugees for future combat operations against their home country.
Burundi has deployed troops to DR Congo to assist the Congolese government in combating movement groups, including M23. These forces are collaborating with SADC troops under the SAMIDRC mission.
Despite deployments from SADC and other regional forces, M23 movement continue to capture strategic territories. Reports suggest that they are advancing toward Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province.
During the SADC emergency meeting, member states urged for a swift joint summit with the East African Community (EAC) to develop a coordinated response to the ongoing conflict. This proposal aligns with recent recommendations from EAC leaders, which Rwanda has welcomed.
Following M23’s capture of Goma, fears are growing that the conflict may engulf the wider region. International actors, including the G7, have urged M23 and the Rwandan military accused of supporting the rebels to halt hostilities.
The recent battles for control of Goma have resulted in the deaths of 14 South African soldiers, three from Malawi, and two from Tanzania, all deployed under the SADC mission.
