KIGALI, Dec. 8 (Xinhua) -- Rwanda on Sunday urged the full implementation of the existing framework agreement with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), saying that honoring the commitments is essential to restoring regional stability.
Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Olivier Nduhungirehe told the BBC that the priority for all parties should be to implement existing agreements, which "have obligations for each side," including the framework agreement signed between Rwanda and the DRC in Washington, D.C.
Nduhungirehe stressed that Rwanda's main security requirement is the neutralization of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a group linked to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. He said progress on this would allow Rwanda to lift its defensive measures.
"The Congolese side cannot talk about Rwandan troops or anything about Rwanda without talking about each part of the deal, which is to neutralize the FDLR that are supported by the DRC government," he added.
Nduhungirehe dismissed claims in a recent UN report alleging that Rwanda controls M23 operations inside the DRC and equips the rebel group with advanced weapons. "Rwanda doesn't support the M23. The M23 is negotiating with the DRC government in Doha to find a solution to the problem they have," he said.
He noted that the framework agreement signed on Nov. 15 in Doha between the DRC government and M23 aims to address root causes, including the marginalization of Congolese Tutsi communities. "They should actually focus on the support that the FDLR is getting from the DRC government," he added.
The recent framework agreement between Rwanda and the DRC signed on Dec. 4 reaffirmed the need for Rwanda to withdraw troops from the DRC and for both nations to disarm armed groups like the M23, with U.S. support for implementation.
Despite recent diplomatic steps, tensions remain high in eastern DRC, where both the DRC military and M23 have accused each other of violating a ceasefire amid ongoing mediation. ■
