It is held amid ongoing tensions between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Rwanda expresses concerns about potential security threats arising from the collaboration between the Congolese Army (FARDC) and the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) during their joint efforts against the M23 rebel group.

It’s important to note that the FDLR is a terrorist organization formed by individuals responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Over time, elements of the FDLR have attempted hit-and-run attacks to destabilize Rwanda, but the country has successfully repelled these attempts.

On the other hand, the DRC accuses Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebel group. However, Rwanda has consistently denied these allegations and urged the DRC to focus on resolving its internal issues instead of engaging in blame games.

President Kagame’s meeting with the security organs follows a recent reshuffle in the RDF’s top leadership. Notably, Juvenal Marizamunda was appointed as the Minister of Defence, and Lt Gen Mubarakh Muganga assumed the role of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS). Marizamunda succeeded Maj Gen Albert Murasira, who had been in the position since October 2018, while Lt Gen Muganga took over from Gen Jean Bosco Kazura, who had held the position since 2019.

This recent meeting with security top brass marks the second time President Kagame has convened such discussions in 2023. The previous meeting in May 2023 was attended by representatives from the National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS), RDF leadership, Rwanda National Police (RNP), and Rwanda Correctional Services (RCS).