The decision to expel Rwanda’s Ambassador to DRC, Karega was taken by the Congolese High Defence Council held on Saturday and led by President Felix Tshisekedi in Kinshasa.

DRC accuses Rwanda of supporting M23 rebel group which continues to capture different areas of eastern Congo. However, Rwanda has repeatedly refuted the allegations and advised Congo not to drag it into internal problems.

“Rwanda notes with regret the decision by the Government of the DRC to expel Rwandan Ambassador Vincent Karega. Rwandan security forces at our border with the DRC remain on alert, as we continue to monitor the Congolese escalation,” reads part of the statement responding to DRC’s decision to expel Amb. Karega.

Among others, Rwanda has expressed a particular concern over the continued collusion between the Congolese armed forces with the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) and their attempts to target the border area with heavy weaponry, as well as ‘the bellicose anti-Rwanda rhetoric being broadcast by DRC officials’.

FDLR is a terrorist group formed by individuals responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

The statement further indicates that Rwanda continues to bring to the attention of the international community the persistent hate speech, public incitement and violent harassment against Rwandans and Congolese Kinyarwanda-speaking communities in the DRC, carried out by Congolese officials and the general public.

“The integration of the FDLR within the FARDC and their collaboration is directly linked to ever increasing hate speech and violence in DRC against Rwandans and Kinyarwanda speaking Congolese communities,” the statement reads in part.

Rwanda has expressed concerns over DRC’s continued provocation through scapegoating Rwanda ‘to cover up and distract from their own governance and security failures’.

The country also reiterated commitment to contribute to a sustainable, peaceful regional security solution within the agreed regional frameworks, including the Luanda Roadmap and the Nairobi Process.

Related story: ’We won’t sit idly by’ - Rwanda warns DRC against repetitive provocations

Rwanda has said that its security forces remain on alert amidst escalating insecurity in eastern DRC.