In a stunning diplomatic contradiction, France and Rwanda have exposed two starkly different truths about who is blocking the humanitarian reopening of Goma International Airport in eastern DRC. While French President Emmanuel Macron affirmed at the G20 Summit that the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has fulfilled all administrative and logistical requirements, a senior Rwandan foreign Minister official effectively admitted that rebel forces, M23, remain in control and must be involved.

“We also identified key operational areas like the reopening of Goma airport. And I note that the effort has not been made by M23 or those who currently occupy the airport, even though the DRC has already taken all required administrative steps,” Macron said in Johannesburg.

Rwanda Admits M23 Occupies Goma Airport

Just days later, Rwandan Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe, speaking to Deutsche Welle Africa, declared:

“Believing that we will open an airport without involving the authorities that hold this airport is nonsense.”

This quote, now circulating widely on social media, confirms what Rwanda has long denied publicly: that M23, its armed proxy, is in control of key Congolese territory, and that Kigali sees them as the legitimate gatekeepers to humanitarian access.

This statement doesn’t just contradict Macron, it exposes Rwanda’s active obstruction of peace and aid delivery to a region already facing mass displacement and civilian suffering.

DRC: Lawful, Cooperative, and Ready

President Félix Tshisekedi’s government, backed by international law and multiple peace agreements (Luanda, Nairobi, and the June 27 Washington Accord), has done its part. The Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation approved all technical and humanitarian protocols for the reopening of Goma Airport weeks ago.

France’s public support only confirms what UN reports, SADC envoys, and AU mediators have already documented: DRC seeks peace and sovereignty, while Rwanda continues to destabilize and deny access.