DRC summons Algerian ambassador over army chief's visit to Rwanda
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Algeria's Ambassador to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mohammed Yazid Bouzid, was summoned by Congolese authorities on Monday, February 26, in response to the visit of General Saïd Chengriha, Algeria's army chief of staff, to Rwanda on February 19.
The Deputy Prime Minister handling foreign affairs, Christophe Lutundula, sought clarification from the Algerian ambassador regarding the visit.
"Beyond the sovereignty of each state, Deputy Prime Minister Christophe Lutundula asked his host for clarification on the visit of the Algerian army chief of staff to Kigali on February 20," a statement from the DRC Ministry of Foreign Affairs read.
However, the move to question a sovereign state's diplomatic representative about its military leader's international visits has been described as a sign of disrespect.
"it is unheard of for a sovereign country to be asked to explain its international relations, and in particular those of its army... a lack of respect and consideration for a country that not so long ago was described by Africans as the Mecca of revolutionaries. No one could have imagined that Algeria would be belittled to this extent. After the Spanish and French slaps in the face, comes the Congolese coup," an ex-Algerian diplomat told Atalayar.
Algeria has not released any official response to the summon.
The North African nation, having recently signed military agreements with Rwanda, faces accusations from Congolese authorities of supporting Rwanda's expansionist policies and contributing to the conflict in the DRC through groups like the M23. However, Rwanda denies these allegations.