Rwanda’s Foreign Minister Nduhungirehe met with EU’s Kaja Kallas to clarify Rwanda’s position regarding the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC, rejecting accusations of responsibility for the DRC’s governance failures. He emphasized Rwanda’s security concerns and called for a cessation of hostilities and political dialogue with M23 to resolve the crisis. The meeting reflects the broader complexity of regional tensions exacerbated by historical grievances and ethnic targeting.
On March 10, 2025, Rwandan Foreign Minister Amb Olivier Nduhungirehe emphasized that Rwanda will not bear the consequences of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) governance failures during a meeting with Kaja Kallas, the EU High Representative. Nduhungirehe asserted that the conflict in eastern DRC was not instigated by Rwanda and reiterated the need for acknowledgment of Rwanda’s national security concerns.
In his remarks, Nduhungirehe highlighted that these concerns have been disregarded despite the ongoing threat from the FDLR militia and other hostile forces. He pointed out that the DRC’s internal conflicts should not be mischaracterized to implicate Rwanda, which he claimed would further fuel the conflict and undermine peace processes in the region.
The DRC has accused Rwanda of supporting M23 rebels, claims Rwanda categorically denies. M23, which formed part of a wider coalition known as Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC), has gained significant territory in North and South Kivu amidst heavy fighting. This fighting has been exacerbated by violations of previous ceasefires by the Congolese government coalition.
Nduhungirehe stressed that a resolution to the conflict must begin with a cessation of hostilities followed by political dialogue between the DRC government and M23. He faced pushback from Kallas, who reiterated the Congolese government’s allegations against Rwanda and urged respect for DRC’s territorial integrity.
Debate on the situation continues, with voices like former German envoy Peter Fahrenholtz highlighting the complexity, suggesting that M23 should be viewed as Congolese citizens rather than rebels, pointing to historical injustices against the Kinyarwanda-speaking community. Communications specialist David Toovey reaffirmed Rwanda’s commitment to dialogue, criticizing the DRC for avoiding negotiations while using Rwanda as a scapegoat.
Historically, the conflict traces back to the aftermath of the 1994 Rwandan Genocide when remnants of the genocidal regime fled into eastern DRC where they formed various militias. The FDLR, in particular, has been linked to ongoing violence and hatred towards Kinyarwanda-speaking communities in the DRC, with accusations of ethnic targeting and violence. These historical grievances continue to shape the region’s conflict dynamics.
The meeting between Rwandan Foreign Minister Nduhungirehe and EU’s Kaja Kallas highlighted the complexity of the DRC’s ongoing conflict, stressing Rwanda’s disassociation from DRC’s governance failures. Misrepresentations of the conflict serve only to exacerbate tensions, obstruct peace initiatives, and dismiss the historical context of grievances. Continued dialogue, rather than accusations, is essential for any sustainable resolution to the issues at hand.
Original Source: www.newtimes.co.rw
