Nduhungirehe urges Burundi and FARDC to halt attacks for peace in eastern Congo

By The Inspirer.

Kigali, Rwanda – Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Olivier Jean Patrick Nduhungirehe has called on the international community to recognize the real drivers of conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), warning that blaming Rwanda and the AFC/M23 rebel group is misleading.

Speaking to RBA, Minister Nduhungirehe said it is “incomprehensible” that international actors continue to focus on Rwanda while ignoring airstrikes and drone attacks carried out by the DRC army (FARDC) and Burundian forces against AFC/M23 positions and Banyamulenge communities.

“These attacks have been ongoing since the June 27, 2025, peace agreement, which called on all parties to observe a ceasefire,” Nduhungirehe said. “Yet the world has remained silent despite repeated reports from Rwanda about violations. Expecting Rwanda or M23 to shoulder the blame is unacceptable.”

Burundian forces in South Kivu

The Minister revealed that more than 20,000 Burundian troops have joined the conflict in South Kivu to support the DRC government’s fight against AFC/M23. He said these forces have carried out operations that include forcibly displacing Banyamulenge communities and restricting their access to markets, creating severe humanitarian impacts.

“All of this has been reported to international partners for months, and they acknowledge it,” Nduhungirehe added. “Yet the DRC government continues to violate the ceasefire by using aircraft and drones to target AFC/M23 positions, while Burundian forces actively participate on the ground.”

International misrepresentation

Nduhungirehe criticized recent international statements blaming Rwanda and M23 for the escalation in Uvira and other areas. He pointed out that these statements ignore the documented involvement of DRC and Burundian forces.

“These pronouncements misrepresent reality. They fail to mention DRC airstrikes, drone attacks, or Burundian troops operating in South Kivu, even though their own diplomats are aware of these facts,” he said.

He recalled that in 2024, when M23 captured Walikale territory, the international community asked Rwanda to convince the group to withdraw. However, civilians who remained were attacked by FARDC and allied militias. “Rwanda cannot bear this burden again. Asking people to leave areas only to be targeted by DRC forces and militias is unacceptable,” Nduhungirehe said.

A call for genuine peace

The Minister emphasized that peace requires accountability from all sides. “If the international community truly wants peace, it must call on over 20,000 Burundian and Congolese troops in South Kivu to stop air and drone attacks. These attacks are precisely what prompt AFC/M23 to respond. Peace cannot be achieved by blaming Rwanda or M23 while ignoring the real perpetrators,” he concluded.