Antony Blinken Makes Call to Ease Rwanda, DR Congo Tensions

Tensions on the Rwanda, DR Congo border have been simmering, after DR Congo's President Felix Tshisekedi accused Rwanda of supporting militia wanting to destabilise his country.

While the accusations have been denied by Rwanda's President Paul Kagame, the U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has again had a telephone conversation with Kagame on Tuesday August 15, 2023, to discuss the situation, Moise Bahati writes for New Times.

The top US diplomat added, "I shared my hope for a diplomatic solution to the tensions and for each side to take measures to de-escalate the situation."

In August 2022, Blinken warned that supporting and cooperating with armed groups would endanger local communities and threaten central Africa's stability.

Tension between both countries grew after the resumption of fighting between the DRC army and the M23 movement in March 202. The DRC authorities accused neighbouring Rwanda of fueling the conflict in the volatile region.

InFocus

President Felix Tshisekedi of DR Congo, left, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, middle, President Paul Kagame of Rwanda, right (file photo).

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