On Wednesday, Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame held a phone conversation with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, addressing the increasingly tense situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The call focused on the escalating conflict in the eastern part of the DRC, particularly the recent capture of Goma by the M23 rebel group, which is believed to be backed by Rwanda.
Secretary Rubio expressed the United States’ deep concern over the situation, calling for an immediate ceasefire and urging all parties to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the countries involved. The Secretary emphasized the need for a lasting peace that not only addresses security concerns but also creates a stable environment conducive to economic prosperity in the region.
A spokesperson for the State Department, Tammy Bruce, conveyed Rubio’s message, reiterating that the primary objective of the United States is to ensure that peace is achieved in the region. The US administration’s approach seeks to not only halt the violence but to lay a foundation for a thriving regional economy, one that would benefit all nations involved.
President Kagame responded positively to the conversation, describing it as productive. He echoed the importance of finding lasting solutions to the root causes of the conflict in eastern DRC. Kagame emphasized that peace and stability were crucial for the region’s prosperity, adding that he looked forward to further collaboration with the Trump administration. He also highlighted the need for strengthening bilateral relations between Rwanda and the United States based on mutual respect for national interests.
The phone call came at a time of rising tensions, as M23 rebels continued to gain ground in eastern DRC, capturing Goma and its airport after intense clashes with local forces. This military escalation has led to protests in Kinshasa, the capital of DRC, with several embassies, including those of the US, Kenya, and Uganda, being targeted and set alight.
This conversation between Kagame and Rubio follows a similar discussion between US Secretary of State Rubio and Kenya’s President William Ruto, which focused on the Strategic Trade and Investment Partnership (STIP). The two leaders discussed concluding the agreement aimed at boosting economic growth and investment opportunities. They also deliberated on the UN-led Multinational Security Support mission in Haiti, with an agreement to develop a joint strategy for the mission’s success.
Both conversations highlight the growing international attention to the situation in the DRC and the wider Great Lakes region, as global powers push for peaceful resolutions and long-term stability.
