The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has dismissed recent reports by Human Rights Watch (HRW) and two UN human rights offices, which alleged Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) involvement in civilian killings in eastern DR Congo.

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The HRW report, published on August 20, accused the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), alongside AFC/M23 rebellion movement, of aiding in the killing of more than 140 civilians across 14 villages in Rutshuru Territory, near Virunga National Park. The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and the UN Joint Human Rights Office (UNJHRO) had earlier reported alleged killing of more than 300 civilians.

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In a statement issued on Friday, August 22, the ministry rejected the sensational accusations.

"The Government of Rwanda firmly rejects the findings of Human Rights Watch, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and the UN Joint Human Rights Office (UNJHRO), alleging mass killing of civilians in Binza, Rutshuru Territory of DR Congo by ‘M23 supported by the Rwanda Defence Force,’” the statement read.

"The sensational accusations of Human Rights Watch, just like those of UNJHRO and OHCHR, have no basis in fact and lack any evidence. Human Rights Watch itself admits that it did not independently verify the alleged killings of Hutu civilians over a period of almost two weeks,” the ministry said.

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The ministry added that accusations "raise more questions than answers” and should be subjected to an impartial inquiry.

"These salacious claims are not the result of any credible investigation, rather they have been hastily released through leaks to media in an attempt to entrench a pre-determined narrative. Only an independent investigation will shed light on these allegations.”

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The ministry further noted that HRW has a long history of making implausible accusations against Rwanda, often at politically significant moments. The statement pointed out that the latest report came as AFC/M23 rebels and the Congolese government prepared to return to Doha negotiations and as Rwanda and DR Congo had begun to implement the June 27 Washington peace agreement, which proposes the neutralisation of the FDLR militia.

"Despite the lack of good faith and obstructionist attitude of these non-state actors, Rwanda remains focused on working towards a peaceful, secure, and prosperous Great Lakes region, including through the Washington DC Peace Agreement and support of the Doha process," it said.