Rwanda has called on the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to take decisive actions to resolve its internal challenges instead of using Rwanda as a scapegoat. This statement follows the postponement of the Luanda Summit, held on December 14, 2024, which failed to reach an agreement on key issues, including direct negotiations with the M23 rebel group.
The Rwandan Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that “there are actions that the DRC can and must take for itself without constantly using Rwanda as a pretext for doing nothing.” Rwanda criticized the DRC leadership’s approach, which includes persistent threats of regime change in Rwanda, while avoiding meaningful measures to address its own issues.
The summit, convened to find a political solution to the crisis, stalled amid tensions surrounding the large coalition of forces operating alongside the Congolese army (FARDC) in eastern DRC. These forces include European mercenaries, the Burundian army, the Wazalendo, and the FDLR – a group Rwanda considers a significant security threat. The Ministry emphasized that “serious measures must be taken to deal with the FDLR, beyond the strategies used to bypass the problem.”
While the summit did not yield results, it has opened the door for further dialogue. Angolan President João Lourenço, the summit’s facilitator, and former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta are expected to continue efforts to mediate between the DRC and M23.
Rwanda reiterated its commitment to participating in future talks that adopt a serious, results-oriented approach to resolving the conflict. The Ministry reaffirmed that Rwanda remains ready to engage in any summit that “adopts a serious and concrete path to resolve these pending issues once and for all.”
The Luanda Summit’s postponement highlights the complexities of the eastern DRC conflict, where political and military dynamics continue to challenge regional peace efforts.
