DRCongo Leader Accuses Rwanda of Delaying Peace

The President of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Félix Tshisekedi, accused Rwanda on Monday of deliberately delaying the implementation of a peace deal signed between Kinshasa and Kigali in Washington in June.

Allegations Against Rwanda

• Tshisekedi claimed that although Rwanda pretended to withdraw its troops, Rwandan forces remain present on Congolese soil and continue to support the M23 rebel group.
• He accused Kigali of attempting to buy time for the crisis to worsen, saying, “We, from our side, are ready to make peace.”
• Tshisekedi suggested that the DRC is seeking greater security cooperation from Washington in exchange for a stable supply of metals used in electronic devices and batteries, such as cobalt.

The eastern DRC, bordering Rwanda, is rich in natural resources but has been plagued by violence for over three decades.

• The M23 armed group, backed by Rwanda, resumed hostilities at the end of 2021 and has captured significant areas in the region.
• Earlier this year, the M23 seized the strategic cities of Goma and Bukavu, establishing their own administrative control.
• This escalation has triggered a spiralling humanitarian crisis, affecting thousands of civilians.

Controversies and International Reactions

• Earlier this month, Rwanda criticised Human Rights Watch after the organisation used satellite imagery to document an apparent expansion of a military graveyard during months of conflict in the eastern DRC.
• The M23’s resurgence and Rwanda’s alleged support have made international mediation critical to restoring stability.

President Tshisekedi reiterated the DRC’s commitment to peace, highlighting that Kinshasa remains ready to cooperate despite ongoing delays from Rwanda.

• The DRC hopes that international partners, particularly the United States, will bolster security cooperation while ensuring access to strategic resources vital to global electronics and battery production.
• Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation in eastern DRC continues to deteriorate, with civilians caught between M23 forces and government troops.

This ongoing standoff underscores the fragility of peace efforts in the Great Lakes region and the complex interplay of regional politics, natural resources, and armed groups.