DR Congo leader compares Rwandan President to Hitler in escalating rhetoric

The President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Félix Tshisekedi, intensified his rhetorical attacks on Rwandan President Paul Kagame, likening him to Adolf Hitler during a rally near the Rwandan border.

Tshisekedi, campaigning for re-election, accused Kagame of Hitler-like behavior and warned that Kagame would meet a similar fate to Hitler.

Tshisekedi has frequently accused Rwanda of supporting rebels in the eastern region of Congo, an allegation Rwanda consistently denies.

His recent comments were described by Rwanda’s government spokesperson as a direct threat.

As the election approaches, Tshisekedi aims to secure support for a second term. Despite efforts to address violence in the east, including ceasefire agreements and the presence of regional and UN troops (now departing), insecurity remains prevalent.

Various armed groups, including the Tutsi-led M23 rebels, reportedly supported by Rwanda according to Tshisekedi and a UN experts’ report supported by the US, have caused turmoil, resulting in mass displacement of civilians.

In a rally speech, Tshisekedi compared Kagame to Hitler, vowing that Kagame’s expansionist behavior would lead to a similar outcome to Hitler’s, emphasizing his determination to protect Congo from such actions.

Previously, Tshisekedi labeled Kagame as the “enemy of the Democratic Republic of Congo,” blaming Kagame for aggression toward Congo.

Kagame, in turn, has dismissed these accusations, focusing on another rebel group, the Hutu-led FDLR, which Rwanda views as a threat.

Rwanda’s government spokesperson responded to Tshisekedi’s remarks, citing them as a direct threat, especially considering the apparent strength of the FDLR.

Paul Kagame has been a dominant figure in Rwanda since the 1994 genocide, during which approximately 800,000 people, mostly Tutsis, were killed by ethnic Hutu extremists.

Source-BBC