Rising profile masks border war

Supporters cheering cyclists along the route of the 95km Tour of Rwanda race, near the town of Gisenyi. Rwanda appears to be betting on its reputation as a key security partner and sports destination to minimise any backlash to its invasion of the Democratic Republic of Congo with the armed rebel group M23, but global pressure is mounting. — Guerchom Ndebo/The New York Times

SINCE an armed rebel group backed by Rwandan troops launched a major offensive in Congo, professional cyclists have raced through Rwanda’s lush hills, John Legend performed a sold-out concert in the capital, Kigali, and entrepreneurs gathered at a convention centre for a financial technology summit.

Rwanda’s role in the war waged by the rebel group M23 has drawn criticism from the United States, China and the United Nations.