Rwandan President Paul Kagame has denied knowledge of Rwandan troops operating in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where escalating clashes between the M23 rebel group and Congolese soldiers have led to over 900 deaths and thousands of injuries in recent days.

The denial comes despite accusations from the Congolese government, UN officials, and Western powers, including the United States, that Rwanda is exacerbating the conflict by deploying thousands of troops and heavy weaponry in support of M23. UN experts estimate that 3,000 to 4,000 Rwandan soldiers are overseeing and assisting M23 fighters in eastern DRC, surpassing the rebel group's numbers in the region.

In an exclusive interview with CNN, President Kagame stated, "I don't know," when asked whether Rwandan troops were present inside the DRC, despite being the commander-in-chief of the Rwandan Defence Force. He continued, "There are many things I don't know. But if you want to ask me, is there a problem in Congo that concerns Rwanda? And that Rwanda would do anything to protect itself? I'd say 100%."

The M23 rebel group has also denied receiving support from Rwanda, with spokesperson Victor Tesongo telling CNN that the assumption is "a manipulation of public opinion to disqualify us." However, DRC communications minister, Patrick Muyaya, told CNN that Rwanda's military presence in his country was well documented, saying, "Kagame is the only voice denying this."

The escalating violence in the region has resulted in devastating consequences, with at least 900 bodies recovered from the streets of Goma since the violence erupted, according to the latest figures from the United Nations. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) stated in a report on Monday, citing the World Health Organization (WHO).

The situation has sparked international concern, with the Southern African bloc intervening in the conflict and the UK signaling potential aid cuts to Rwanda amid the escalating violence. The international community is urging Rwanda to take responsibility for its actions and to work towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

The denial by President Kagame raises questions about Rwanda's involvement in the conflict and its commitment to regional stability. As the situation continues to unfold, the international community will be watching closely to see how Rwanda responds to the allegations and whether it will take steps to de-escalate the violence in the region.

In the meantime, the people of DRC and Rwanda remain caught in the midst of a devastating conflict, with thousands of lives lost and many more displaced. The international community must continue to pressure Rwanda to take responsibility for its actions and to work towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict.