Rwanda faults ‘misguided’ approach after Blinken talks

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken says he had “a productive conversation” with Rwandan President Paul Kagame to emphasise the need for peace and security in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

But Rwanda says that despite the “good discussions” there are still differences in understanding of the issue.

In a statement on Twitter, Foreign Minister Vincent Biruta said a “wrong and misguided approach” by the international community had made the problem worse.

On Monday, the US urged Rwanda to end its support for the M23 rebel group in DR Congo, in line with resolutions made during the talks on the conflict held recently in the Angolan capital, Luanda.

Rwanda, which denies supporting the rebels, said the responsibility ought to be placed on DR Congo, which he described as being shielded from accountability.

“M23 should not be equated to Rwanda. It is not Rwanda’s problem to solve. The security concerns of Rwanda need to be addressed, and where others may not feel obliged to, Rwanda is and will continue to do so,” Mr Biruta said.

Fighting between the Congolese military and the M23 has intensified in recent months displacing close to 400,000 people.

Leaders from countries in the region have been holding talks to try to end the violence.