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DRC Minister Patrick Muyaya speaks with CNN’s Richard Quest during UNGA80 in New York. (Photo: Government of DRC)
DRC Minister Muyaya to CNN: Rwanda’s M23 Proxy Blocks Peace
Congo’s Minister Patrick Muyaya told CNN that Rwanda’s support for M23 blocks peace, stressing U.S. mediation must ensure Kigali ends its proxy war.
Updated :
September 27, 2025 at 1:53:10 PM
Edited :
New York — Speaking to CNN journalist Richard Quest on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, Patrick Muyaya, Minister of Communication for the Democratic Republic of Congo, made it clear that peace in his country is not just about signing agreements — it’s about Rwanda ending its long-standing interference through the M23 rebellion.
Rwanda’s Role Exposed
Muyaya accused Rwanda of using M23 as a proxy force, responsible for serial massacres and instability in eastern Congo.
If we want to achieve peace in that region, we must stop Rwandan activities. Since the genocide in 1994, Rwanda has created proxies. M23 is a proxy under U.S. sanctions,” he told CNN.
He stressed that despite the peace deal signed in Washington in June, Kigali is not respecting its commitments. “We are doing our part. I’m not sure the other side is delivering the way it should,” Muyaya said, pointing to ongoing violence.
U.S. Role and Trump’s Mediation
Quest pressed him on whether President Trump’s involvement was simply transactional, tied to Congo’s mineral wealth. Muyaya pushed back, highlighting that U.S. engagement has also been about securing peace, education for children, and protection for women, while also advancing strategic partnerships in energy, environment, and infrastructure.
He cited the Lobito Corridor project, funded by the U.S., as proof that Congo’s relationship with Washington goes beyond minerals.
Congo’s Global Importance
Muyaya reminded viewers that Congo has always been central to global history — from supplying uranium for the Manhattan Project in 1942 to being looted under Belgian King Leopold. Today, he said, the DRC’s nine borders, immense mineral wealth, and young population make it one of the world’s most important nations.
But without peace, that potential remains hostage to Rwanda’s destabilization.
What we need first is peace. Once we achieve peace, not only will the DRC move forward under President Tshisekedi’s leadership, but all of Africa will advance with us.”
Africa Rising, But Blocked by War
Responding to Quest’s skepticism about Africa’s future, Muyaya insisted the continent is rich in youth and resources, but stressed again that peace is the starting point:
Africa is the youth of the world. The DRC has everything. But until Rwandan-backed violence ends, we cannot unlock that potential.”
Opninion
This interview once again highlights what Kinshasa has been saying for years: peace in Congo — and Africa’s wider progress — will never come as long as Paul Kagame’s regime hides behind proxies like M23 while looting Congo’s resources. Congo is offering its hand for peace, but it demands truth, justice, and respect for sovereignty.
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