DRC’s Foreign Minister Kayikwamba Confronts Rwanda’s War in Congo

DR Congo’s Top Diplomat Speaks on Rwanda, M23, and the Path to Peace

Over 30 years into a war that has reshaped families, displaced over 7 million people, and drained eastern Congo of its peace, the Democratic Republic of Congo says it is still committed to peace, but not at the price of justice or sovereignty.

Speaking to Al Jazeera, DRC Foreign Minister Therese Kayikwamba Wagner delivered a clear and unwavering message: the Democratic Republic of the Congo is ready for peace. But the M23, backed by Rwanda, must face reality.

A Conflict With Many Names, One Constant Victim: The Civilians

For decades, eastern Congo has suffered under shifting banners of rebellion, AFDL, RCD, CNDP, M23, all of them part of a long, well-documented pattern of Rwandan interference.

“The story remains the same. Civilians pay the price.”

In recent years, M23 has carved out a parallel administration, defying the Congolese state, aided by an estimated 6,000 Rwandan troops, and blocking UN investigations into war crimes.

And yet, peace talks continue, from Doha to Washington, with the Congolese government still at the table, still insisting on the preservation of state authority and demilitarization.

“It Takes Two to Tango.” The DRC Is Ready. Is the M23?