Karega: Rwanda Will ‘Never Force’ Fleeing Congolese Soldiers Back to DR Congoa

Rwanda has confirmed that it will not force Congolese soldiers who fled to Rwanda during the ongoing conflict with M23 rebels to return to DR Congo, as stated by Vincent Karega, the country’s ambassador-at-large for the Great Lakes Region. Karega’s remarks came after more than 100 Congolese soldiers, alongside allied FDLR and Wazalendo militia fighters, sought refuge in Rwanda following the M23 rebels’ capture of Goma city.

Speaking to the press in Rubavu District, Karega emphasized Rwanda’s commitment to upholding international law, explaining that anyone who arrives in Rwanda in a distressed state, including soldiers fleeing conflict, will receive humanitarian assistance. “Rwanda, like any country that respects international law, whoever comes as a refugee and is in a distressful situation, is welcome and will get the support that we give to all people in difficult situations,” Karega said.

The group of soldiers, numbering at least 113, was received at the Vision Jeunesse Nouvelle facility in Rubavu on Monday, where they were disarmed and some treated for injuries. Karega further stated that their future would depend on the evolving situation in DR Congo, as well as their own wishes. He clarified that Rwanda would not forcibly return them to DR Congo, explaining, “We never force refugees to return forcefully to the country they ran away from.”

A Congolese soldier, Lt. Kasereka Tshombe, shared his experience with the media, revealing that they fled Goma after the M23 rebels overwhelmed them. “There was fighting in all of Goma; fighting was going on in every part. We did not have any command. Every soldier ran away,” he said, adding that even senior commanders, including majors and colonels, had fled to Bukavu as the situation worsened.

While Rwanda provided refuge to the fleeing soldiers, the situation on the border remains tense. Karega pointed out that the conflict had resulted in Rwandan casualties, with five people killed and at least 35 others injured from shelling launched by DR Congo forces. The attack, which also destroyed homes and infrastructure in Rubavu, forced businesses and schools to close in the region. The death toll from the cross-border shelling later rose to nine, with at least five houses reported destroyed.

The ongoing escalation in eastern DR Congo has added to the region’s complex security challenges, as Rwanda maintains its stance on providing refuge while condemning the violence that continues to spill over its borders.