Congo's president accuses Rwanda of supporting rebels hostile to government

Democratic Republic of Congo’s president Joseph Kabila has accused neighbouring Rwanda of backing rebels opposed to his government…

Democratic Republic of Congo’s president Joseph Kabila has accused neighbouring Rwanda of backing rebels opposed to his government, saying it was an “open secret” that Kigali was meddling in Congo’s affairs.

Rwanda is under increasing pressure after a UN experts’ report found it was providing support to the M23 rebels who have fought government soldiers in North Kivu province since April, displacing some 470,000 civilians. Kigali has rejected the allegations and accused the report’s authors of failing to consult Rwandan authorities.

“As for the involvement of Rwanda ... It’s an open secret ... There is a report that effectively establishes the presence ... from this country to the M23 and to other armed groups,” said President Kabila. – (Reuters)