Africa-Press – Rwanda. The Embassy of Rwanda in Stockholm has responded to a summons to the ambassador Sweden’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs over allegations that Rwanda involved in the ongoing conflict, noting the European country’s silence on the persecution of Congolese Tutsi communities and its alignment with Belgium on the matter.
The Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs summoned Rwanda’s Ambassador in Stockholm over Rwanda’s alleged support for the M23 rebels in the ongoing crisis in eastern DR Congo.
Rwanda has continuously dismissed these claims, pointing to its security concerns related to the DRC’s collaboration with the FDLR, a DR Congo-based terrorist militia founded by remnants of the masterminds of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. The genocidal militia is at the heart of the insecurity affecting eastern DR Congo.
“Rwanda has faced existential security threats from the FDLR, which remains embedded within the Congolese national army (FARDC).”
The FDLR has carried out at least 20 attacks on Rwandan territory and is part of the coalition of the Congolese armed forces (FARDC), Burundian troops, SADC troops, European mercenaries, and other militia groups, in the war against the M23 rebels.
The embassy said Rwanda took measures to prevent the security threat of the FDLR from materializing.
“Only the RDF and the Commander-in-Chief can determine the necessary defensive measures to protect the lives of Rwandans—especially when threats emerge just two kilometers from the border. Rwanda will not be bullied or blackmailed into compromising its national security,” the statement read.
The embassy also questioned Sweden’s position on the crisis, arguing that it reflects a double standard.
Additionally, the statement criticised Sweden’s silence on the plight of Congolese Tutsi communities who have suffered ethnic persecution supported by the Congolese government.
The embassy further noted Sweden’s alignment with Belgium, a Rwanda and DR Congo’s former colonial power which has taken a stand against Rwanda in the current crisis.
“Nordic nations have no colonial history in Rwanda, no illicit mineral dealings, and no historical grievances—placing Sweden in a unique position to adopt an impartial and principled diplomatic stance,” the statement said.
“The international community has oversimplified DR Congo crisis to the narrative ‘Rwanda backs M23.’ However, M23 is a Congolese movement with legitimate Congolese grievances. It emerged due to DR Congo government’s failure to honour peace agreements and protect the rights of Kinyarwanda-speaking Congolese, particularly Tutsi communities, who continue to suffer systematic persecution, displacement, and targeted killings,” the statement added.
The embassy criticised the broader international response to the conflict, highlighting the role of the UN and European actors. It referenced the United Nations Security Council’s mandate allowing MONUSCO to provide support to the SADC mission, a force aligned with FARDC, FDLR, and European mercenaries.
“The United Nations has confirmed FARDC’s cooperation with the FDLR, yet no punitive measures have been taken against DR Congo government.”
Additionally, the embassy noted Sweden’s lack of condemnation in the face of attacks against Rwanda, particularly the shelling of Rwandan territory by the FDLR in June, 2022.
In the face of this Rwanda has committed to humanitarian obligations, in welcoming refugees, including FARDC soldiers and FDLR elements, facilitating evacuations for MONUSCO personnel and UN officials, and providing safe passage for nearly 300 European mercenaries recruited to fight in eastern DR Congo.
“Sweden’s silence on the illegal recruitment of European mercenaries by the DR Congo government is also noted,” the statement added.
The embassy urged Sweden to respect and support the African-led mediation process, recently reinforced by the joint EAC-SADC Summit and the African Union Summit.
Rwanda noted that its objective remains a secure border and an end to violent ethnic extremism in the region.
“The cycles of conflict fuelled by DR Congo government’s failures and the international community’s inaction must not be tolerated any longer,” it said.
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