Rwandan President Paul Kagame Urges DR Congo to Negotiate with M23 Rebels

#Africa
Rwandan President Paul Kagame Urges DR Congo to Negotiate with M23 Rebels

Loveworld / 38 minutes

January 13, 2025

2 min read

Rwandan President Paul Kagame has called on the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to enter into negotiations with the M23 rebel group, urging a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict in the region. Kagame’s comments come amidst continued fighting in eastern DRC, where the M23, a Tutsi-led rebel group, has been engaged in military clashes with Congolese forces.
Speaking at a press conference in Kigali, Kagame emphasized that dialogue is the only viable path forward to end the violence and instability that has plagued the region for years. “It is essential that the government of the DRC recognizes the need for negotiation and dialogue with the M23 rebels to bring lasting peace to the region,” Kagame stated. “Military solutions alone will not resolve the crisis.”
The M23 has been accused of receiving support from Rwanda, a claim both the Rwandan government and the rebel group deny. Tensions between Rwanda and the DRC have been high for months, with both countries accusing each other of supporting armed groups operating across their shared border. The conflict has led to significant displacement and humanitarian suffering in the region.
Kagame’s call for talks has been met with mixed reactions. While some international observers have welcomed his comments as a step toward de-escalation, others remain skeptical, pointing to the longstanding mistrust between the Congolese government and the M23.
The situation in eastern DRC remains volatile, and the calls for negotiation come as regional and international bodies, including the United Nations and the African Union, have continued to push for a ceasefire and a political resolution to the conflict.