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?

Asked if a ceasefire was near, the Foreign Minister was honest:

“We would want it to be a matter of weeks, not months… But it takes two to tango. The M23 has to stop the killings, the occupation, the lies.”

While the DRC has committed to a ceasefire and signed onto a joint verification and withdrawal mechanism, ongoing M23 aggression continues to delay peace.

Despite recent accords, including the Doha Declaration and the June 27 Washington Agreement with Rwanda, M23 refuses to disband or withdraw from occupied territory.

“There is a gap between what they say in peace talks and what they do on the ground.”

“No Peace Without Justice. No Reconciliation With Impunity.”

One of the most critical sticking points is the prisoner swap. Wagner made clear: the DRC will not release war criminals under the guise of “reconciliation.”

“Prisoner swaps should not mean impunity. There will be no reward for massacres, rape, and looting.”

The government insists that justice must come first, and Congo’s military is being held accountable when allegations arise. A UN-backed independent commission is already in motion to investigate abuses, and Kinshasa is cooperating.

Rwanda’s Role: The Elephant in the Room

Pressed on Rwanda’s intentions, the Foreign Minister didn’t mince words:

“We still have 6,000 Rwandan troops on our sovereign territory. They are looting, raping, killing, and occupying land.”

Despite Kigali’s attempts to blame Congo for “supporting the FDLR,” Wagner was categorical:

“We do not collaborate with the FDLR. They prey on our people, not Rwanda’s. But if any individuals in our army do, we sanction them. That’s not state policy, unlike Rwanda.”

The difference, she noted, is that Rwanda has never once acknowledged or disciplined its military for occupying Congolese territory or backing M23.

International Mediation Matters — But So Does Pressure

Wagner acknowledged the role of international partners like Qatar and the U.S., who are currently facilitating dialogue and building accountability mechanisms.

“What’s different this time is that the facilitators have real leverage, and they’re willing to use it.”

She also affirmed that a presidential summit between Félix Tshisekedi and Paul Kagame is expected soon, under Washington’s auspices. But the timing depends on whether Rwanda is ready to commit to real peace, not parallel rule.

Bottom Line: Congo Will Not Be Broken

The interview ended with a reminder of what’s truly at stake:

“What we know is that our territory will remain whole. Despite any effort, from any side, Congo will not be broken.”

In a region where rebels and regimes often gamble with borders, minerals, and lives, the DRC’s position is now unmistakably firm:

✅ Yes to peace

✅ Yes to dialogue

✅ Yes to accountability

❌ No to Balkanization

❌ No to impunity

❌ No to parallel states within Congo

“If Truth Cannot Exist, How Can Peace?”

As gunfire echoes in eastern Congo and the world debates timelines, the Congolese government reminds everyone: this isn’t just a political crisis, it’s a humanitarian and moral one.

“If truth cannot exist, how can peace?”