Rwanda irked by Kikwete’s sympathy for FDLR

 

Women wade through flood water in Rwaza last year. Residents evacuated from the area say they need more assistance. The New Times/ File.

Rwanda’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Louise Mushikiwabo has described a statement made by Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete that Rwanda should sit on negotiation table with FDLR – a rebel group operating in eastern Congo –  as “abhorrent” and “shocking”, setting Rwanda Government’s message straight that negotiations with the group are not an option.


In an interview with Radio France Internationale (RFI) yesterday, Mushikiwabo said that Rwanda will not consider negotiating with terrorists and people responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. She also regretted that the rebel group has sympathisers in the region, including Kikwete himself – should he not retract his comments.


The Tanzanian president made the statement during Africa Union's Silver Jubilee held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on Sunday.


FDLR has been involved in creating instability in eastern Congo along with several armed militia roaming in the region.