RWANDA STRENGTHENS REGIONAL SECURITY COOPERATION AS DRC CONFLICT CONTINUES TO SHAPE EAST AFRICAN DIPLOMACY
BY: CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS | ONLINE EDITOR
RWANDA STRENGTHENS REGIONAL SECURITY COOPERATION AS DRC CONFLICT CONTINUES TO SHAPE EAST AFRICAN DIPLOMACY
KIGALI, Rwanda — Rwanda remains deeply involved in the complex security environment of the Great Lakes region as the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo continues to influence relations between Kigali and its neighbours.
Rwanda's government has consistently denied allegations that it directly controls or commands armed groups operating in eastern Congo.
The issue remains one of Africa's most contentious regional-security disputes.
Eastern Congo
The conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has displaced large numbers of people.
The M23 armed group controls territory in parts of North and South Kivu.
Rwanda has been accused by the Congolese government and international actors of supporting M23.
Rwanda has rejected those accusations and says its security concerns are linked partly to armed groups operating from Congo.
Regional Diplomacy
The crisis has created pressure for diplomatic solutions.
Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo have participated in international peace efforts.
The wider Great Lakes region has repeatedly attempted to establish security arrangements.
Rwanda's Military
Rwanda has one of Africa's most organised militaries.
Its forces have also participated in international peacekeeping operations.
The Rwanda Defence Force reported this week that its Level II hospital serving the United Nations mission in the Central African Republic had received praise for its medical work.
Tanzania Cooperation
Rwanda is also strengthening security cooperation with Tanzania.
The Rwanda Defence Force and Tanzania People's Defence Force recently held their 16th proximity commanders' meeting in Nyagatare District.
Such cooperation is important because security problems in the Great Lakes can cross national borders.
Electricity
Despite Rwanda's economic reputation, electricity remains an important domestic issue.
Rwanda's national broadcaster reported public concern over electricity problems in Kigali, with senators calling for a durable solution.
Reliable power is essential to the country's ambition of becoming a technology and services hub.
Technology
Rwanda has invested heavily in technology.
Kigali has promoted itself as a centre for conferences, innovation and digital business.
The country has developed a reputation for efficient public administration and technology-enabled government services.
Tourism
Tourism remains an important source of foreign exchange.
Mountain gorilla tourism is one of Rwanda's most internationally recognised industries.
The annual Kwita Izina gorilla-naming ceremony has become a major international conservation event.
The government sees high-value tourism as a way to generate revenue while protecting natural resources.
DRC Refugees and Returnees
Rwanda is also dealing with the humanitarian consequences of the regional conflict.
The Rwanda Broadcasting Agency recently reported that 304 Rwandans who had been affected by armed groups in the DRC returned home.
Their return demonstrates how insecurity can affect communities across national borders.
Regional Economic Ambitions
Rwanda's economy is relatively small but highly ambitious.
The government seeks to position Kigali as a financial, technology and conference centre for East Africa.
Regional instability can threaten that strategy.
The DRC conflict remains the biggest external challenge facing Rwanda.
A durable settlement would benefit both countries.
Rwanda's own economic transformation depends heavily on regional stability.
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