DR Congo President Tshisekedi’s Rhetorical Attack on Rwanda’s President Kagame

In a campaign rally in Bukavu, close to the Rwandan border, Democratic Republic of Congo’s President, Félix Tshisekedi, compared his Rwandan counterpart, Paul Kagame, to Adolf Hitler. Accusing Rwanda of backing rebels in the east of his country, Mr. Tshisekedi promised that Kagame would “end up like Hitler”. The spokesperson for Rwanda’s government responded by describing this statement as “a loud and clear threat”. As the election draws near, the Congolese president is seeking support for a second term, while insecurity in the eastern part of the country remains a significant concern. The region is plagued by a multitude of armed groups, including the Tutsi-led M23 rebels, which Mr. Tshisekedi claims are supported by Rwanda. Recent reports by a UN group of experts and with the backing of the US further support these allegations. The violence has led to the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people from their homes. While Mr. Kagame has dismissed Mr. Tshisekedi’s accusations in the past, the political tension between the two leaders remains palpable.