How Muhoozi And Kagame Are Funding M23 Rebels In DRC – UN Report Leaks Secrets

Rwandan President Paul Kagame and Uganda’s army Chief Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba have dismissed a recent United Nations report accusing their governments of fueling conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) through rebel support and mineral exploitation.

The report, presented to the UN Security Council, alleges that Rwanda has deployed thousands of troops to back the M23 rebel group, which now controls key mining zones and trade routes. It also claims Uganda has facilitated mineral smuggling and allowed rebel leaders to operate freely within its borders.

“These people fighting did not come from Rwanda,” Kagame told reporters in Kigali. “It just doesn’t make sense to blame Rwanda for the conflict. This problem can be resolved, but not through manipulation and distortion.”

Kagame criticized the report’s methodology and accused the UN panel of ignoring violations committed by Congolese forces and allied militias. He argued that the findings reflect a distorted narrative that fails to address the root causes of instability in the region.

The report estimates that M23 rebels, allegedly backed by Rwandan special forces, export up to 120 tons of coltan monthly, generating millions in revenue. It also notes the group has established parallel administrations in occupied territories.

Gen. Muhoozi, known for his close ties to Kagame, has also rejected the report’s claims. While Uganda has not issued an official rebuttal, Muhoozi’s public statements and past social media posts suggest alignment with Rwanda’s stance.

The report cites evidence of coordination between Ugandan officials and M23 leaders, including logistical support and unrestricted movement within Uganda.

Diplomatic tensions have escalated, with Kinshasa summoning Ugandan envoys and protests erupting outside Uganda’s embassy in DRC. The situation has reignited fears of regional destabilization and prompted calls for greater oversight of mineral supply chains.

The conflict continues to draw international attention. Last month, the DRC filed lawsuits against Apple Inc. in Belgium and France, accusing the tech giant of sourcing minerals “pillaged” from rebel-controlled zones. Apple has denied the allegations and stated it instructed suppliers to halt sourcing from the region.

As Kagame and Muhoozi push back against the UN’s findings, the diplomatic fallout underscores the complex web of alliances, rivalries, and resource interests shaping the future of peace and accountability in the Great Lakes region.