Rwanda’s Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe stated that Rwanda will not accept the blame for DR Congo’s security and governance failures during a meeting with EU representative Kaja Kallas. He highlighted that regional conflicts, including actions attributed to groups like M23, stem from a multifaceted history rather than Rwanda’s involvement. Calls for inclusive dialogue and recognition of all parties’ rights were emphasized as essential for peace.
On March 10, 2025, Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe asserted during a meeting with Kaja Kallas, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, that Rwanda would not take responsibility for the Governance and security failings of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo). This assertion was made amidst ongoing conflicts in eastern DR Congo, where the accusations against Rwanda’s involvement have permeated the political discourse. The minister spoke in Brussels, emphasizing that Rwanda’s security concerns have historically been overlooked amid continued threats from Congolese militia groups.
Nduhungirehe underscored the complexity of the situation, referring to the ongoing turmoil created by various armed factions including the FDLR, a group formed by remnants of individuals responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. The minister highlighted that the current conflicts stem from a broad, regional issue rather than solely from Rwandan actions. An example of this escalation is M23, a rebel coalition that has gained considerable ground in North and South Kivu provinces since its resurgence in 2021.
Following the renewed conflicts in early January, M23 captured significant territories, including the provincial capital, Goma. Reports suggest that the Congolese government has repeatedly accused Rwanda of supporting these rebels, a claim that Rwanda has firmly rejected. The origins of the conflict extend back over three decades, where communities, specifically Kinyarwanda-speaking Congolese, have faced systemic discrimination and violence, exacerbating the struggle for rights and recognition.
Nduhungirehe raised concerns that misinterpretations of the conflict in Eastern DR Congo perpetuate a cycle of blame directed at Rwanda, hindering potential peaceful resolutions. He argued that such narratives diminish the role of the Congolese government’s accountability and exacerbate hostilities, preventing constructive dialogue. Efforts for peace must focus on addressing the root causes of the conflicts rather than scapegoating Rwanda.
EU representative Kaja Kallas echoed views that M23 must adhere to maintaining DR Congo’s territorial integrity while calling for dialogue to resolve tensions. There was resistance to this perspective, however, as former German envoy Peter Fahrenholtz and communications expert David Toovey suggested that M23 consists primarily of Congolese citizens fighting for their rights, emphasizing that it is the Congolese government that has shunned negotiations.
The broader context of the conflict includes the enduring impact of the genocidal past, where remnants of former regimes have transitioned into further militancy in the region. Allegations against Rwanda for fostering a crisis are further complicated by international perception and the need for regionally-led solutions. Nduhungirehe called for attention to the ongoing humanitarian crises facing communities affected by violence and emphasized the need for international stakeholders to understand the dynamics at play.
In conclusion, Rwanda’s Foreign Minister emphasized the nation’s unwillingness to shoulder the repercussions of the governance failures within the DR Congo amid ongoing conflicts. Citing historical grievances and regional complexities, Nduhungirehe argued for a reframing of the conflict narrative that holds all parties accountable. The importance of a constructive dialogue is crucial for lasting peace and stability in eastern DR Congo while recognizing the innate rights of all communities involved in the crisis.
Original Source: www.newtimes.co.rw
