Yolande Makolo

"The region has come together, the leaders of this region are working hard, mostly committed to ensuring that peace is restored to that part of DR Congo, “So its a DRC problem. Where we come in as Rwanda is the fact that nothing should threaten our territorial integrity.”"

"There was one injury yesterday from a stray bullet from clashes across the border and the man (civilian) who was injured is being treated, at the health center in Rubavu District. We are grateful that we did not have any (fatality).”"

"The DRC government has failed to do its part to uphold these agreements that they signed. As a result, the conflict is prolonged and it puts peoples lives in danger. And it continues the instability in this region that nobody wants. It is unnecessary.”"

"Our call is for everyone to commit to what was agreed on with Nairobi and Luanda Protocol so we can move towards peace and stability."

"Rwanda continues to ensure that its borders are protected, “This is why our armed forces are at the border. Weve said this very openly and we will not hesitate to protect and to defend our borders and also protect our people. We have said this very clearly. What we will not allow is, for any kind of conflict to come across the border and we are prepared for that.”"

"We’re partnering with the UNHCR and the African Union to bring migrants who were stranded in Libya to safety in Kigali. Over 1,000 migrants have passed through this centre, many have been relocated to other countries.”This is just an illustration of Rwanda’s commitment to protecting refugees & vulnerable people around the world -a principle which always governs our international policy,"

"These have to be talked about as well. Im talking specifically about the proliferation of hate speech that is followed by attacks on people. Weve seen that people have been attacked, people have died, homes have been burnt, and property has been looted all as the result of the hateful rhetoric that is propagated at the highest level of government, including by the security organs in the DRC.“This is something that the United Nations (UN) itself needs to take seriously because its coming from within. Some of the statements issued to warn about the proliferation of hate speech and the attacks on these targeted communities in the DR Congo were basically ignored by mainstream media.”"

"Despite ongoing regional efforts to bring about peace in eastern DRC Congo, there are aspects of the conflict that are not being talked about yet they are important because they affect the lives of civilians, both in the DR Congo and, indirectly, Rwanda."

"But we saw the consequences because its right at our border and this is what we constantly tell the region and the international community that what is happening in the eastern DRC is a threat to our security because it is close to our border and we want peace.”"

"“We will provide decent accommodation and look after all their essential needs. We also want to make it clear that if people apply for asylum in Rwanda and their claim is rejected, through the process that we will have here, they will still have a pathway to legal residency in Rwanda and we welcome people from everywhere,"

"Rwanda is deeply concerned about the conflict that is taking place across the Western Province border, of which spillover effects continue to endanger the lives of Rwandan civilians residing in the area,"

"We will be able to provide not just a safe haven these people are looking for but the opportunity to build new lives here and develop alongside Rwandans,"