The United States and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have accused Rwanda of orchestrating a deadly attack on a camp for internally displaced people (IDPs) near Goma, intensifying tensions in eastern DRC. The assault, which killed over a dozen people, has drawn international condemnation, with calls for Rwanda to hold those responsible accountable.
Allegations of Rwandan Involvement
The U.S. State Department directly implicated Rwandan forces alongside M23 rebels—a predominantly ethnic Tutsi group—in the attack on the IDP camp in Mugunga, near Goma. Matthew Miller, a State Department spokesperson, emphasized the need for Rwanda to investigate this heinous act and ensure justice, standing firmly by the accusation despite Rwanda’s denials. The DRC, led by President Felix Tshisekedi, echoed these claims, asserting that the attack originated from Kiroche, a Rwandan-controlled area, with five shells fired into the camp. Lt. Colonel Ndjike Kaiko, a Congolese army spokesperson, also pointed to M23 as responsible, labeling the attack a violation of international humanitarian law. These accusations mark a rare, pointed rebuke of Rwanda’s alleged role in supporting M23, a group that resumed its armed campaign in 2021 amid ongoing regional instability.
Rwanda’s Defiant Response
Rwanda’s government, through spokesperson Yolande Makolo, dismissed the U.S. claims as ridiculous, insisting that its professional army would never target displaced civilians. Rwanda called for a credible investigation into the attack, rejecting responsibility and accusing the DRC of security and governance failures. While denying direct support for M23, President Paul Kagame has expressed sympathy for the Tutsi cause in the DRC, citing threats from Hutu militias linked to the 1994 Rwandan genocide. Rwanda argues that the DRC’s collaboration with such groups justifies its defensive stance, further complicating diplomatic efforts.
International Condemnation and Mediation Efforts
The European Union, African Union (AU), and Southern African Development Community (SADC) joined the DRC in condemning the attack, with the AU refraining from naming perpetrators. French President Emmanuel Macron, meeting with Tshisekedi, urged Rwanda to cease supporting M23 and withdraw troops from DRC territory. The U.S. has attempted to mediate between Kinshasa and Kigali, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken advocating for diplomacy to de-escalate tensions. The attack underscores the broader conflict in eastern DRC, where M23’s actions, allegedly backed by Rwanda, have exacerbated a humanitarian crisis, displacing thousands and threatening regional stability.
A Volatile Regional Crisis
The Mugunga camp attack highlights the persistent violence in eastern DRC, fueled by ethnic tensions and resource disputes. The accusations against Rwanda intensify pressure for accountability, but Kigali’s denials and counterclaims suggest a complex path to resolution. As international calls for a ceasefire grow, the region faces the risk of further escalation, with civilians bearing the brunt of the conflict.
