Rwanda urges African-led mediation as DRC peace talks stall

By The Inspirer.

Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe, has said the continued insecurity in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is caused by a lack of political will, not the absence of agreements or mediation efforts.

Speaking on Friday, February 6, 2026, during the second day of the 20th National Umushyikirano Council, Nduhungirehe said repeated accusations by the DRC that Rwanda has failed to implement agreements ignore the real obstacle: Kinshasa’s unwillingness to engage.

“The real problem is not agreements,” he said. “The real problem is political will.”

He accused Congolese authorities of disengaging from dialogue processes while presenting a misleading narrative internationally. He cited the Nairobi Process, initiated by the East African Community (EAC) to facilitate dialogue among Congolese stakeholders, including armed groups.

“The Nairobi talks were designed to promote inter-Congolese dialogue,” Nduhungirehe said. “However, the process was terminated by the President of the DRC after AFC/M23 participated. The group was expelled without consulting fellow EAC leaders who had established the initiative.”

He added that the DRC later requested the withdrawal of the EAC regional force, despite its mandate to support peace and stabilization efforts.

The minister also referenced the Luanda talks of 2024, noting that significant progress had been made, with consensus reached on nearly all issues.

“One issue remained,” he said. “The DRC government had initially accepted it but later reversed its position, refusing to engage with AFC/M23.”

Nduhungirehe dismissed claims that Rwanda’s absence from a December 15, 2024 meeting caused the talks to collapse, saying negotiations had already stalled due to Kinshasa’s hardened stance.

After African-led efforts broke down, President Félix Tshisekedi reportedly sought alternative mediators, including Qatar, France, and others.

The minister stressed that Rwanda remains open to all credible mediation, seeking a durable solution to insecurity in eastern DRC. He recalled that Rwanda and the DRC signed a de-escalation agreement in Washington, intended to ease bilateral tensions and restore regional stability.

“What followed were air and drone strikes targeting AFC/M23, in violation of the agreement,” he said, adding that the DRC also employed foreign mercenaries and collaborated with the FDLR, a militia linked to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

Nduhungirehe said Rwanda supports the full implementation of comprehensive agreements addressing security concerns, neutralizing the FDLR, lifting defensive measures, and promoting economic cooperation.

He expressed hope that the Doha talks between AFC/M23 and the Congolese government would continue and produce tangible results.

Rwanda continues to advocate for African-led mediation, complementing initiatives from Washington and Doha. Nduhungirehe concluded by assuring citizens of Rwanda’s security.

“Rwandans should remain calm and focused,” he said. “All necessary measures are in place to protect the country and its people while we continue advancing our national development agenda.”

The DRC has on several occasions accused Rwanda of destabilizing its territory and supporting AFC/M23 — allegations Rwanda has consistently denied.