These request was made by some Congolese senators who were apparently reacting to recent comments by President Paul Kagame on his visit to Benin where he related DRC crisis to poor leadership.

During his visit to Benin over the weekend, President Kagame and his counterpart, Patrice Talon addressed members of the press to respond to different questions of concern.

One of journalists asked Kagame to comment on allegations by Congolese President, Felix Tshisekedi who accuses Rwanda of supporting M23.

Kagame said that M23 is not the real problem but rather a product of many other problems that have not been addressed for decades.

He explained that M23 problem was there even before Tshisekedi became president as it escalated in 2012.

The Head of State said that the problem is related to Congolese who have Rwandese heritage due to borders drawn during colonial times where a big part of Rwanda was left to eastern Congo and south-western Uganda.

The President underscored that these people have been denied their rights within Congo, until they took up arms in 2012 against their own government ‘because of this problem’.

He stated that the problem was mismanaged as it is coming back in 2023.

“That means it wasn’t properly handled,” said Kagame.

The statement by Kagame was misinterpreted and irked some Congolese politicians who demanded their country to attack Rwanda during a Senate plenary session on Monday.

Senator Molisho proposed an immediate meeting of the Supreme Council of Defense to approve an attack on Rwanda, with Senator Edouard Mokolo wa Mpombo expressing his support.

In response, Senate President Modeste Bahati urged his colleagues to remain calm and prioritize respect and support for their nation.

Among others, the assembly approved a law to extend the state of emergency in the provinces of North Kivu and Ituri due to persistent instability in the area.

This is not the first time Congolese politicians have called for an attack on Rwanda.

Adolphe Muzito who once served as Prime Minister also proposed invading Rwanda in 2019 to ensure peace and security in eastern Congo.

Long-standing border disputes from the colonial era and issues surrounding Congolese Rwandophones, including M23 rebels, continue to exacerbate tensions between the two countries.

Senate President Modeste Bahati urged his colleagues to remain calm and prioritize respect and support for their nation.