“Rwanda is the Father, M23 is the Son": Muyaya Ahead of Washington
As Tshisekedi heads to Washington, Patrick Muyaya reaffirms DRC’s commitment to peace, but warns Rwanda must withdraw and end support for M23 before any deal.
Published:
December 2, 2025 at 6:46:26 PM
Modified:
December 2, 2025 at 6:53:46 PM
In a strong statement to the Congolese people, Government Spokesperson Patrick Muyaya confirmed that President Félix Tshisekedi’s visit to Washington for the formal endorsement of the DRC-Rwanda peace agreement reflects Kinshasa’s unwavering commitment to lasting peace, despite ongoing aggression from the M23 and its backers.
Speaking to Radio Okapi on the eve of the summit, Muyaya reaffirmed:
“From the beginning of his mandate, President Tshisekedi chose peace. Even when faced with Rwanda’s hostility, he remained open to dialogue. But choosing peace is not weakness, it is an act of leadership.”
Washington Agreement: Not Just Words- A Roadmap
The Washington summit marks the continuation of a peace process that has taken shape through multiple stages, from Luanda to Doha, culminating in a formal integration framework agreement signed on June 27.
“It is now time to give this agreement full legitimacy at the highest level,” Muyaya said. “This is why the President is heading to Washington, to reaffirm Congo’s commitment to peace, and to hold Rwanda accountable for theirs.”
“Rwanda is the Father, M23 is the Son” — No Illusions About the Aggressor
Muyaya echoed President Tshisekedi’s recent words on betrayal, referencing how, in 2022, the DRC's trust in regional peacebuilding was “stabbed in the back.”
“We joined the East African Community in good faith to foster cross-border trade and shared prosperity. Instead, we got aggression disguised as diplomacy.”
He added:
“Rwanda and M23 act in tandem, the father and the son. Their strategy is manipulation and confusion. But the Congolese people must remain vigilant, united, and resistant to their disinformation campaigns.”
Vigilance, Unity & Resistance to Propaganda
Muyaya warned against internal divisions fueled by Rwandan disinformation, urging Congolese citizens to stand firm:
“We know the poison Rwanda spreads: division, confusion, infiltration. That’s why we call on every Congolese to stay mobilized, to resist manipulation, and to defend our national unity.”
“Peace Must Mean Withdrawal & Accountability”
The government’s position remains firm: any peace must include:
Withdrawal of Rwandan troops from Congolese soil
Cessation of all support to M23
Restoration of full Congolese sovereignty
Message to the East: "We Are With You"
“To our people in Beni, Uvira, and other occupied zones, we see you, we hear you. Military governors are in place, and every document signed, every journey made, is about one thing: ending the suffering.”
“Do Not Be Deceived, Congo Will Prevail”
With President Tshisekedi heading to Washington, Muyaya stressed this is not just a diplomatic photo-op, but a high-stakes moment for peace and justice:
“We will not fall for parallel agendas. The future of Congo belongs to its people, not to foreign-backed rebels. Peace is coming, but on our terms: with truth, sovereignty, and strength.”
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