The United States and Rwanda are locked in a heated dispute over the recent attack on a camp for internally displaced people in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The US State Department has directly accused Rwandan forces of joining M23 rebels in the attack, which killed at least nine civilians.
Rwanda vehemently denies the allegations, calling them “ridiculous” and insisting its army would never target displaced people.
Rwandan spokesperson Yolande Makolo demanded a “credible investigation” and accused the US of “scapegoating” Rwanda.
This incident marks a significant escalation in tensions between the two countries.
The US has long suspected Rwanda of backing the M23 rebels, a mostly Tutsi group that resumed fighting in the DRC in 2021.
However, the latest accusation is the most direct yet.
Kigali maintains its innocence, insisting it doesn’t support the M23.
However, President Paul Kagame has expressed sympathy for the plight of Tutsis in the DRC and criticized the Congolese government for failing to address the issue.
He has also called for action against a Hutu militia linked to the Rwandan genocide.
The US has attempted to mediate between the DRC and Rwanda, but the recent attack appears to have set those efforts back.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with President Kagame in January, urging diplomatic engagement.
However, it remains unclear if the US pressure or the ongoing accusations will lead to a peaceful resolution.
