GENEVA - Thousands of Rwandan troops have been fighting alongside rebels in DR Congo, United Nations experts have said in a newly-published report. The UN has warned that the fighting risks spilling over into a wider regional conflict.
The UN experts reviewed photos and drone footage. They said at least 3,000 to 4,000 Rwandan troops were working with M23 as of the report’s completion in April, at a “conservative” estimate.
Rwanda has de facto control over the rebel militia, the UN alleges, though Kigali has repeatedly denied that it has any involvement in the crisis. Rwanda is not alone in its reported backing of M23. On Monday, the UN also alleged that the Ugandan army has supported the group, and said that Kampala has allowed M23 troops to pass through Ugandan territory.
Last week, the DRC cracked down on “traitors” within its army, sentencing to death 25 soldiers who were accused of fleeing from battles with M23. Millions of people have been internally displaced as a result of the conflict in eastern DRC.