After talks aimed at ” promoting military cooperation” between DRC and Rwanda in May 2019, President Tshisekedi has been relentless in his determination to decapitate all Hutu rebel groups in the East Congo. and indeed, over the past few months, The FARDC has targeted and eliminated significant commanders of FDLR, RUD Urunana and CNRD ( FLN); all of which are Rwandan Hutu Rebel groups. Those arrested were extradited to Rwanda.

RDF has been alleged to have had a hand in the operations that targetted and eliminated these commanders and Rwanda is still said to be present on DRC soil in the interest of ” preserving peace to realize regional development”.

Observers agree that FARDC would not have been able to carry out these operations without the help of Kigali’s intelligence and logistics.

Tshisekedi and Kagame’s ” friendship” that has upset many Congolese and leaves analysts wondering how long these two presidents will look in the same direction in terms of regional development. Is there more to it than a convenient alliance?

Tshisekedi needs Kagame’s help to come to terms with Hutu Rebel groups. FARDC has found it difficult to disarm these groups for over two decades. As for Kagame, were it not for Tshisekedi support, he would be completely alienated in the region.

However, clearing DRC of Rwandan rebel groups will be difficult for Mr. Tshisekedi as Kagame may not be as cooperative when the time comes to ask his proxy rebel groups, such as Red Tabara, to also leave DRC in the name of regional peace.

Government sources close to DRC, Rwandan and other regional administrations tell Inyenyeri News Group that the next conflict is hanging over Minembwe – a region that also happens to be the gate to Burundi.

Samuel Kamanzi