At the Extraordinary Summit of East African Community (EAC) Heads of State on the security crisis in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Rwandan President Paul Kagame delivered a strong and direct message.
He emphasized that no real progress could be achieved unless those directly affected were actively involved in resolving the crisis.
“They have displaced people, they have killed people, they have persecuted them daily for who they are,” Kagame stated, referring to the ongoing violence and ethnic targeting in Eastern DRC. He pointed out that thousands of refugees had been living in Rwanda for over two decades, having been forced out of their homes in Congo simply because of their Tutsi ethnicity.
Kagame criticized the presence of multiple military forces in the region—including MONUSCO, SAMIDRC, mercenaries, Burundian troops, and FDLR fighters—accusing them of either being complicit or failing to address the crisis effectively. He condemned the hypocrisy of international actors who only express concern when large-scale humanitarian disasters occur while ignoring the ongoing persecution, killings, and displacements.
“Just two or three days ago, we lost people due to shelling from Eastern Congo, from Goma. A dozen people were killed, and hundreds were injured. We will definitely take care of that; there is no question about it,” he warned.
Kagame’s Diplomatic Engagement and Criticism of External Involvement
On January 29, 2025, Kagame held talks with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to discuss the ongoing conflict in Eastern DRC and the importance of addressing the root causes of the violence. He stressed that genuine solutions could only be achieved by tackling fundamental issues rather than blaming Rwanda for Congo’s internal problems.
“We discussed the cessation of hostilities in Eastern DRC and the need for a lasting solution,” Kagame stated, highlighting the necessity of mutual respect in diplomatic engagements between Rwanda and the U.S.
The conflict between the M23 rebel group and the DRC’s coalition forces, including foreign troops, has intensified in recent weeks, leading to M23’s capture of Goma. This escalation has sparked protests in Kinshasa, where demonstrators—allegedly supported by the Congolese government—attacked embassies of Rwanda, the U.S., Uganda, Kenya, and France, accusing them of backing M23.
Kagame has repeatedly argued that the Congolese government has long ignored the root causes of the conflict, preferring to scapegoat Rwanda rather than address governance failures and ethnic tensions.
“If you want to solve a problem, there is no better way than dealing with its root causes,” Kagame reiterated during a diplomatic dinner in Kigali. “The presence of UN peacekeeping forces in DRC for over 30 years without any resolution to the crisis speaks volumes about the ineffectiveness of their mission.”
He further condemned the continued presence of genocidal forces, including the FDLR, near Rwanda’s borders, accusing the DRC government of sheltering and arming them. “These are the same perpetrators of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi. They remain active, well-armed, and ideologically unchanged,” he noted, criticizing the international community’s failure to address this threat.
Response to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa
Kagame also responded sharply to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recent accusations. Ramaphosa had labeled Rwanda’s army (RDF) as “rebels” and accused them of attacking South African troops deployed under the SAMIDRC mission. In a public statement, Kagame dismissed these claims as false and politically motivated.
“RDF is a professional military force, not a rebel group,” Kagame clarified. “SAMIDRC is not a peacekeeping mission. It was deployed by SADC to support the Congolese army in fighting its own people, alongside genocidal forces like FDLR.”
Kagame also pointed out contradictions in Ramaphosa’s statements. “In our private discussions, he admitted that South African troops were killed by FARDC, not M23. Yet, in public, he blames M23 and RDF,” Kagame stated, calling out the misinformation.
He further warned that if South Africa sought confrontation with Rwanda, his country was prepared to respond appropriately. “If South Africa wants provocation, Rwanda will handle it accordingly,” he stated firmly.
The Reality in Eastern DRC
Despite heavy fighting, M23 has taken control of Goma and its surrounding areas. The Congolese army and its allies, including foreign troops and mercenaries, have suffered significant defeats. The situation remains tense, with uncertainty over the next course of action.
Kagame remains adamant that only a sincere and comprehensive approach—one that acknowledges historical injustices and the rights of displaced Congolese Tutsis—can lead to peace. His message to both regional and international actors is clear: stop the blame game, address the real issues, and work towards a sustainable solution.
If implemented, Christians living in conflict-affected areas will experience peace and have the freedom to worship God more easily.
The ongoing wars in the DRC are making life difficult for Christians, as they struggle to find safe spaces to gather and pray. Many prayers are being offered, pleading for peace. Believers in other countries are also crying out to God, interceding for the people of the DRC so that they may find relief.
Christians everywhere, this is the time to pray for those living in war-torn nations, especially for the people of the DRC.
