A confidential report by a United Nations group of experts that was leaked to the media has led to rising tensions between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda.
The report follows recent allegations of Rwandan backing for a mutiny by elements of the Congolese army in April, when soldiers in eastern Congo defected and formed the March 23 Movement rebel group. The U.N. group of experts found that Rwanda has played a pivotal role by providing direct support not only to M23, but also to other armed groups in the area.
“Apparently Rwanda has been involved in developing a coalition of armed groups in the region behind Congo’s back,” said Greg Queyranne, president of the Center for African Development and Security. “It was suspected for a long time because of the historical connections between the Rwandan government and those who defected.”