Analysis: How The West Fabricates Narratives To Target Rwanda And Exploit the DRC Crisis

Recent reports by The Guardian and The Observer on the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) demonstrate a concerning lack of journalistic integrity, as they rely heavily on rumors, unverified claims, and dubious anonymous sources to frame Rwanda as the scapegoat for the region’s instability. The allegations, accusing the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) of supporting the M23 rebels, are not only baseless but also expose the intentional distortion of facts to undermine Rwanda’s credibility and leadership in the region.

The narratives presented in these reports are littered with absurdities that defy logic. Claims such as RDF commanders secretly gathering in Gisenyi to plan operations or the alleged amassing of troops along the border, as if military actions are broadcast like public announcements, are fantastical and rooted in barroom chatter. The so-called “intelligence” cited by these publications appears to be drawn from informal gossip, social media speculations, and hearsay from hotel lounges and fruit markets, rather than credible or verifiable sources. Such sensationalism is a disservice to the truth and only fuels misinformation.

One of the reasons Rwandan media has avoided in-depth reporting on the conflict is due to a profound self-awareness and a responsible approach to information dissemination. In contrast to the reckless and inflammatory narratives of foreign media, local outlets understand the implications of fueling misinformation that can be used as ammunition against Rwanda. This restraint reflects a commitment to stability, accountability, and the protection of Rwanda’s image on the global stage. By refraining from adding to the cacophony of unfounded accusations, Rwanda has chosen to focus on meaningful actions rather than engage in media theatrics.

Meanwhile, these same reports conveniently overlook the glaring failures of the DRC government under President Félix Tshisekedi. A weak leader and ineffective politician, Tshisekedi has repeatedly demonstrated his inability to govern, instead relying on appeals to Western capitals for sympathy and intervention. His “baby cries” in Western corridors of power attract performative support from nations that are quick to criticize Rwanda while failing to hold the DRC accountable. Tshisekedi’s governance failures have emboldened rebel groups, deepened ethnic divisions, and perpetuated the exploitation of his nation’s resources by foreign interests.

The real thieves and looters of the DRC’s vast mineral wealth are not neighboring countries like Rwanda but industrialized nations in Europe, Asia, and America. For centuries, these nations have profited from the illegal extraction of the DRC’s natural resources, fueling their economies while leaving the Congolese people in abject poverty. Rwanda, on the other hand, lacks the infrastructure and industrial capacity to engage in such activities. Rwanda is a young nation. It does not have the processing plants or factories necessary to exploit DRC minerals, let alone manufacture even basic goods like spoons or bicycle spokes. The minerals in question are smuggled through well-established international networks and find their way to industrial nations, yet these countries divert attention by scapegoating Rwanda.

Additionally, the ongoing use of the FDLR—a genocidal militia integrated and armed by the Congolese government—remains conspicuously absent from Western criticism. The FDLR has been responsible for countless atrocities, including the persecution, raping, cannibalism, and killing of indigenous people in eastern DRC, particularly those of Rwandan descent. Despite this, the West remains silent, refusing to condemn the DRC for its complicity in harboring and using the FDLR as a tool of terror. This selective outrage highlights the hypocrisy of Western nations, which claim to champion human rights while ignoring the atrocities committed under their watch.

What is even more alarming is the West’s failure to acknowledge Rwanda’s efforts to provide transparency and share intelligence on the situation in eastern DRC. Military attachés receive detailed briefings consistently offered by Rwanda, yet these efforts are dismissed in favor of manufactured narratives designed to fit geopolitical biases. This deliberate sidelining of Rwanda’s proactive measures is not just disrespectful—it reveals the West’s unwillingness to engage with the complex realities of the region.

The rhetoric coming from Western media and governments is deeply patronizing, reflecting a neo-colonial attitude that undermines Rwanda’s sovereignty. Statements like “the west must rein in Kagame” expose an arrogance that implies African nations are incapable of self-governance and must answer to foreign powers. Such condescension not only disrespects Rwanda’s leadership but also perpetuates harmful stereotypes about Africa as a continent unable to manage its affairs.

Worth noting, is the complete absence of outrage or even acknowledgment from these critics about the plight of the indigenous people of eastern DRC is telling. The persecution and suffering of these communities have been largely ignored, while narratives are spun to demonize Rwanda. If Rwanda were to actively support M23 as a stabilizing force in the region, it would not only be justified but also commendable, given the inability of other nations to address the root causes of insecurity in the DRC.

Much can be said about this whole situation, but one thing is clear; the reports by The Guardian and The Observer are not only unprofessional but also steeped in bias and double standards. By failing to hold the DRC accountable for its governance failures and its use of genocidal militias, and by ignoring the role of industrialized nations in looting Congolese resources, these publications do nothing to advance peace or justice. Rwanda, as a stable and proactive nation in a volatile region, deserves respect and recognition for its transparency, restraint, and commitment to regional stability. It is time for the international community to address the real issues and stop scapegoating Rwanda for the failures of others.