Rwanda has dismissed the sanctions imposed on Monday by the United States, stating that they unfairly target only one party to the peace process and misrepresent the realities of the ongoing conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
In a statement released Monday night by the Office of the Government Spokesperson, Rwanda said that persistent drone strikes and ground offensives by various actors constitute clear violations of ceasefire agreements by the DRC, adding that the continued fighting has resulted in significant loss of life.
“Protecting our country is a badge of honour which the Rwanda Defence Force carries very proudly,” the statement read.
Rwanda further claimed that the DRC coalition fighting in the eastern region includes foreign mercenaries, state-backed ethnic militias known as Wazalendo, and the FDLR militia, which it described as a genocidal group operating alongside the FARDC.
The statement also noted that under the Washington Accords, the DRC committed to the irreversible and verifiable termination of state support for the FDLR and affiliated armed groups, but Rwanda says no meaningful steps have been taken to fulfil this commitment.
Rwanda reiterated its readiness to disengage its forces in line with DRC progress in implementing its obligations under the peace agreements.
The country also welcomed the resumption of the implementation process, including the Joint Oversight Committee, calling for a balanced and fair approach from all regional and international partners.
Rwanda reaffirmed its commitment to fully implementing all aspects of the Washington Accords, including the Regional Economic Integration Framework, as part of broader regional peace and stability efforts.
