DRC’s Diplomatic Stand: Rwanda Must Be Held Accountable

Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner calls for EU sanctions and genuine accountability over continued M23 violence despite peace agreements during her DW Afrique interview from the EU-Africa Summit in Luanda

Despite the DRC's sincere commitment to peace, violence in the east persists. From Luanda, Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner expressed deep frustration at the continued attacks by the M23 rebel group, despite a framework agreement already signed between Kinshasa and the rebels.

“We entered negotiations with good faith to restore state authority. But while M23 shows a cooperative face internationally, on the ground, they are still expanding their grip and committing violence. This duplicity is intolerable.”

“We know who backs M23, and it’s Rwanda.”

In a bold and clear statement, Wagner removed any ambiguity:

“Let’s be clear: M23 is backed by Rwanda. That’s not speculation; multiple UN independent reports confirm it. It’s Rwanda. Period.”

The DRC’s message to its international partners is unambiguous: political dialogue cannot replace accountability. Kinshasa insists that all parties involved must be held responsible, not later, not after the fact, but now.

A Call to Europe: “Stop hiding behind complexity.”

Wagner sharply criticised the European Union’s slow response:

“The EU has imposed 27 sanctions packages on Russia. Yet when it comes to Congo, the response is timid. We’re told the consensus is hard to reach among 27 member states. But when lives are at stake, when territorial integrity is being violated, there is no room for delay or double standards.”

She added that the EU has the tools at its disposal:

“You can target individuals, institutions, even companies. But you must act. Saying it’s ‘too complex’ is simply an excuse to avoid responsibility.”

Post-Paris silence over Goma airport

Minister Wagner also criticised the silence following Rwanda’s backtracking on reopening Goma Airport, a key humanitarian hub that could save lives.

“After the Paris conference on humanitarian assistance, Rwanda immediately undermined progress by conditioning the airport’s reopening on M23 consent. And yet… total silence from our partners. We're not talking politics here. We're talking about saving one million lives.”

On the FDLR issue: “We’ve kept our word, Rwanda hasn’t.”

Addressing another sticking point, the disarmament of former FDLR combatants, Wagner stated:

“The DRC has taken concrete steps. We called on FDLR elements to surrender at MONUSCO bases. But they can’t reach them, because M23 and Rwandan forces control the area.”

She cited the June 27 Washington Accord, which commits to:

• Neutralizing the FDLR

• Immediate withdrawal of Rwandan troops from Congolese soil

“Rwanda must create the conditions for FDLR disarmament. Instead, they use the FDLR as a pretext to prolong occupation.”

Conclusion: Kinshasa speaks with clarity. It’s time the EU does too.

The DRC's message is no longer a diplomatic suggestion; it is a strategic warning: peace without accountability is appeasement. Rwanda’s actions, not its words, should determine the international response.

“We are ready for peace, but not at the cost of our sovereignty.” – Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner