African News Agency : Welcome

Rwanda defiant over accusations of backing Congo rebels

Kigali, 05 Oct - (ANA) - Rwandan President Paul Kagame said yesterday Western governments were "dead wrong" in blaming his country for the rebellion in neighbouring eastern Congo and threatening Kigali with aid cuts.

And although the president has not publicly denounced the M23 insurgency, he has pledged to stand firm against his accusers. On Monday, the United States urged Rwanda to publicly condemn rebels who have seized parts of Congo's east, an appeal that highlighted U.S. frustration over Kigali's alleged involvement.

Kagame has told parliament that wanton killings were being carried out in the Congo "in broad daylight" but not being condemned by that country's government or by the West.

Kagame said those responsible for Congo's bloodshed were indigenous to Rwanda's central African neighbour. Rwanda has denied having any links with rebels, including the M23 group, who have been fighting Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) government soldiers in North Kivu province since April, displacing some 470,000 civilians.

Donors, including the United States, one of Kigali's closest allies, have slashed aid to the nation as the result of a U.N. report that concluded Rwandan officials were supplying the rebels with weapons and logistics.

The EU said this week in Kigali that although existing projects would continue, a decision on additional budget support would be delayed until Rwanda's role in Congo was clarified.

Countries including the United, Sweden and the Netherlands have suspended aid to Rwanda, which relies on donors for about 40 percent of its budget. But Britain unblocked part of its aid earlier this month, saying the Rwandans had constructively engaging in the search for peace in Congo.

Kagame has launched a so-called "dignity fund" to help wean Rwanda off its dependence on outside help.

Kagame and Congolese President Joseph Kabila met on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly last week to discuss the fighting in the Congo, but no breakthrough was made.(ANA)

FA/ANA/05 October 2012----------