DRC: War in North Kivu, when Rwanda’s subterfuges plunge talks leading to agreements into stalemate
Initiated in November 2022 by Angola, the Luanda process was intended to be the main pathway to resolving the security crisis in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). However, this mechanism has struggled to bring the long-awaited peace to the region, where thousands of Congolese continue to die in a selfish war fueled by personal interests, particularly those of Rwanda.
On October 8th, before the United Nations Security Council, the Congolese Minister of Foreign Affairs, Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, highlighted the major obstacles hindering the implementation of the Luanda process. Among these obstacles, Rwanda continues to raise the issue of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), demanding their neutralization. Additionally, Rwanda calls for a regional justice mechanism while rejecting any responsibility in a potential peace agreement.
In light of Rwanda’s demands, it is important to denounce the blatant irresponsibility of the Rwandan government, which seems more interested in perpetuating the conflict than in achieving peace. This cynical stance costs the lives of thousands of Congolese civilians, the primary victims of this unending war. Despite Rwanda’s recognized aggression against the DRC, the international community has also shown a guilty complacency by failing to firmly condemn this devastating behavior.
For years, Rwanda has exploited this war to serve its own strategic and economic interests. The FDLR issue, often used by Rwanda as an excuse to justify its military actions, is nothing more than a smokescreen. In reality, the core issue is Rwanda’s unconditional support for the M23 rebel group, which it claims is composed of Congolese, and for which it calls for political dialogue. Kinshasa, on the other hand, refuses to negotiate with M23, labeling it a terrorist group responsible for violence and massacres.
For many observers, the true deadlock in the Luanda process lies in this divergence over how to deal with M23. Rwanda, by implicitly supporting this rebellion, is playing a dangerous game that prolongs the suffering of the Congolese people. This irresponsible behavior, aimed at strengthening its influence in the region, must be strongly condemned.
