The ongoing tensions between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda illustrate how envy and resentment can poison international relations. At the heart of this conflict lies a complex web of perceived inequality, historical grievances, and geopolitical maneuvering. But beyond the political rhetoric and military posturing, a deeper, more troubling narrative emerges: the failure of leadership to address the root causes of the crisis and seize opportunities for peace.
The DRC, a nation endowed with vast natural resources, has long been plagued by governance failures, economic instability, and internal conflict. In contrast, Rwanda, under President Paul Kagame, has emerged as a model of economic growth, stability, and effective governance. This stark disparity has fueled resentment in the DRC, where Rwanda is perceived as exploiting its neighbor’s weaknesses, particularly through its alleged support for the M23 rebel group. But is this resentment justified, or is it a manifestation of deeper insecurities within the Congolese leadership?
Blame, Victimhood, and the M23 Factor
The DRC’s accusations against Rwanda often appear more driven by political posturing than objective analysis. President Félix Tshisekedi’s government has repeatedly blamed Rwanda for supporting the M23, yet it has failed to address the legitimate grievances of the Congolese Tutsi community, which the M23 claims to represent. The March 23, 2009 agreement—hence the name M23—was meant to resolve these grievances, yet it remains unimplemented. Instead of engaging in dialogue, the DRC has chosen to escalate tensions, burning Rwandan flags and destroying portraits of President Kagame in public displays of hostility.
This is not the behavior of a confident, forward-looking government; it is the behavior of leadership trapped in a cycle of blame and victimhood. Tshisekedi’s administration has found it easier to scapegoat Rwanda rather than confront the deep-seated governance issues that allow armed groups to thrive in eastern DRC.
Historical Grievances and Security Concerns
History plays a significant role in this conflict. The DRC has long accused Rwanda of meddling in its affairs, dating back to the aftermath of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, when Hutu extremists fled to eastern DRC. Rwanda, for its part, has continuously stressed that its involvement in the region is driven by national security concerns, particularly the presence of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), an armed group rooted in genocidal ideology.
Rather than dismissing Rwanda’s security concerns, why doesn’t President Tshisekedi address them directly? By doing so, he could defuse tensions and cement his legacy as a peacemaker. Instead, his government’s alignment with elements sympathetic to the FDLR only deepens the cycle of mistrust and violence.
The DRC’s Lack of Accountability
The DRC’s response to the crisis has been marked by a troubling lack of accountability. Rather than focusing on resolving the conflict, the government has resorted to scapegoating Rwanda and rallying international support to isolate its neighbor. Calls for sanctions and diplomatic pressure on Rwanda may win short-term sympathy, but they do nothing to address the root causes of the conflict.
Instead of perpetuating a narrative of victimhood, why doesn’t the DRC push for meaningful dialogue? Why invest in foreign military alliances, such as with the Southern African Development Community (SADC), while neglecting governance, security, and development in the eastern regions? The government’s failure to effectively administer these areas has created a vacuum that groups like M23 have exploited—because nature abhors a vacuum. If the DRC cannot govern its own territory, it must consider alternative solutions, and the international community should support practical resolutions rather than fueling the blame game.
The Role of the International Community
The international community has not helped matters. While the United Nations and Western powers have expressed concern over Rwanda’s alleged support for M23, mediation efforts have been hamstrung by the deep-seated mistrust between the two nations. Regional organizations like the African Union and the East African Community have called for dialogue, but the DRC’s refusal to negotiate directly with M23, which it views as a Rwandan proxy, has stalled progress.
The question must be asked: Who is to blame for this impasse? The DRC’s leadership bears significant responsibility. By allowing resentment to dictate its policies, the government has squandered opportunities for peace and progress. Rather than addressing the legitimate concerns of its citizens and neighbors, it has chosen to lash out at Rwanda, blaming its more successful neighbor for its own failures.
A Leadership Deficit
The DRC-Rwanda tensions serve as a cautionary tale of how envy and resentment can derail even the most promising opportunities for peace. Resolving these issues requires more than diplomatic engagements—it demands courageous leadership that prioritizes governance, security, and economic development over petty rivalries.
Until that leadership emerges, the people of the DRC will continue to suffer, and the cycle of violence will persist.
The author, Emmanuel Mugisha, is Executive Secretary of Rwanda Media Commission
