Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame dismissed fresh reports alleging his army’s role in killings in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, telling troops and police at a training center that atrocities are committed by the FDLR militia, pro-government Wazalendo militias, and the Congolese army. Video of the remarks circulated on social media on Tuesday.
His comments follow an August 20 Human Rights Watch report alleging that Rwanda-backed M23 rebels, supported by Rwandan soldiers, summarily executed at least 140 civilians between July 10–30 in at least 14 locations near Virunga National Park; the group says the true toll may exceed 300. M23 has denied responsibility.
Kagame argued Rwanda does not start wars and only deploys forces abroad at the request of partner states, citing missions in Mozambique, the Central African Republic and South Sudan. He also pointed to January’s evacuation of hundreds of foreign mercenaries who had fought alongside Congolese forces, saying they were safely escorted home via Rwanda after Goma fell to M23.
Kinshasa, the UN and multiple rights groups accuse Kigali of backing M23—charges Rwanda rejects. Amnesty International says both M23 and pro-government militias have committed grave abuses, including gang rapes and summary executions, underscoring the need for impartial investigations and accountability on all sides.