The capture and handover of Ezéchiel Gakwerere, a senior commander of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), has intensified tensions between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda.
Gakwerere and 14 other alleged FDLR fighters were handed over by the M23 rebel group to Rwandan authorities at the Grande Barrière border post in Rubavu.
The Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) have dismissed Rwanda’s claims about the capture, calling it a staged operation. They argue that Rwanda is using the incident to discredit the Congolese army and justify its military presence in the DRC.
FARDC points out the inconsistencies, including the presence of individuals like Patrick Ishimwe, who had already been reported in Rwanda before the alleged capture.
FARDC further claims that Rwandan authorities took former FDLR prisoners from Gitarama Central Prison, dressed them in FARDC uniforms, and presented them as newly captured fighters.
They see this as part of a broader strategy to influence public opinion and justify Rwanda’s actions in eastern DRC.
The DRC has long accused Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebellion to maintain influence in North Kivu, while Rwanda claims it is targeting FDLR elements responsible for past atrocities.
FARDC also alleges that the Rwandan army committed war crimes, including the execution of sick and wounded Congolese soldiers at Katindo Military Hospital in Goma.
The DRC believes Gakwerere has been operating under Rwandan President Paul Kagame’s instructions, orchestrating attacks on Congolese civilians.
These accusations deepen the mistrust between the two countries, with both sides accusing each other of manipulation.