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NPR Online NewsDec 23, 2023
UN: Uganda, Rwanda Backing M23 Rebels in DR Congo
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The Facts
According to a recent UN report, the Ugandan army backed the M23 rebel group operating in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), with approximately 3K-4K Rwandan soldiers fighting alongside the rebels.
Commissioned by the UN Security Council, the report points out Rwanda's significant military involvement, influence, and responsibility in the conflict and found that Kigali has "de facto control" over rebel operations.
The Spin
Narrative A
The headlines are further evidence of the selective reporting on the conflict in eastern DRC and its context. For example, there's no mention of the fact that the UN accused Kinshasa of backing the UN-sanctioned FDLR rebels in eastern Congo. Formed after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, the FDLR and its militias are responsible for the atrocities against the Congolese Tutsi communities, which the M23 aims to protect. As long as Kinshasa plays the victim, there will be no peace.
Narrative B
The UN report confirms Rwanda and Uganda's support of the M23 to gain control of the vast mineral resources in eastern DRC. The resulting destabilization of the country and the entire Great Lakes region is the main reason for the enduring humanitarian disaster, and the international community must finally take action to put an end to Rwanda's and Uganda's covert activities. Kinshasa remains open to a political solution to the conflict but will defend its territorial integrity and sovereignty by all means.
