Rwanda’s Foreign Minister, Olivier Nduhungirehe, has rebuffed the United States and European Union’s criticism of the M23 rebel group’s recent advances in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), calling their statements biased and hypocritical. This comes after the M23 captured two localities in Masisi, including the provincial capital, reigniting tensions in the conflict-ridden region.
Both the US and EU accused Rwanda of supporting M23 and urged Kigali to “immediately stop any support” to the rebel group. In response, Nduhungirehe rejected the accusations, asserting that they ignored earlier incursions by the FDLR (Forces démocratiques de libération du Rwanda) and the involvement of Western military mercenaries who have reportedly aided a coalition of FDLR, CMC Nyatura, Wazalendo, and Burundian forces.
Nduhungirehe urged the international community to focus on resolving the root causes of the conflict through direct political talks between the DRC government and M23. “The conflict in Eastern DRC cannot be resolved through quick fixes, photo ops, or blame games,” he stated, highlighting the persecution of Congolese Tutsis and security threats to Rwanda as key issues. He also criticized what he described as the “infantilization” of DRC leadership and expressed concern over President Félix Tshisekedi’s “bellicose rhetoric.”
The US State Department, represented by spokesperson Matthew Miller, condemned M23’s actions as detrimental to peace efforts, urging the group to cease hostilities and respect the ceasefire. Miller also called on Rwanda to withdraw its personnel and equipment from DRC and emphasized the need for both nations to adhere to the Luanda Process. Similarly, the EU condemned M23’s actions as a breach of the August 4, 2024, ceasefire agreement, calling on Rwanda to sever ties with the rebels and the DRC to end cooperation with the FDLR.
While international pressure mounts, the DRC government has refused to negotiate with M23, maintaining a military approach despite growing criticism. Analysts warn that without dialogue, achieving lasting peace in the volatile region remains unlikely.
