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Muyaya Slams M23 'Retreat' as Rwanda Cover-Up
DRC Minister Muyaya calls M23’s Uvira retreat a “masquerade” to shield Rwanda. Urges the U.S. to enforce the Washington Peace Accords and apply sanctions.
12/17/25, 3:10 PM
Paris | France 24 | December 17, 2025 – In a powerful and clear-toned interview on France 24, Congolese Minister of Communication Patrick Muyaya slammed the M23’s announced “conditional retreat” from Uvira as nothing more than a manipulation tactic to shield Rwanda from growing international pressure, particularly from the United States, whose senior officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have condemned Rwanda’s violation of the Washington Peace Accords.
"M23 is Rwanda’s son — let’s not be fooled."
This is not a withdrawal. It’s a masquerade,” said Muyaya.M23 is not an independent actor, it is Rwanda's advanced brigade. This announcement is a distraction to give cover to Kigali, which is now under pressure from the Americans.”
Muyaya emphasized that the Congolese government will not be lured by diversion tactics. He reminded viewers that just days after the December 4th Washington signing ceremony, Rwanda and M23 launched a brutal offensive on Uvira, violating not only the Washington Accords but also Doha and UN Resolution 2760.
Kigali fired missiles from its own territory onto ours and on Burundian soil,” he stressed. They used kamikaze drones to strike civilian targets. This is unacceptable by any standard of international law.”
“Retreat under conditions”? Congo says no.
M23 stated it would withdraw from Uvira under conditions, including the demilitarization of the city and neutral oversight. Muyaya rejected this completely:
This is not an issue for M23 to negotiate. The only legitimate framework is the one agreed upon in Washington and Doha. Rwanda cannot violate the accords and then dictate the terms of peace.”
He reiterated that the only acceptable solution is the full and unconditional withdrawal of all Rwandan and M23 forces from Congolese territory.
U.S. Role and Sanctions: "Now is the time for action."
Asked whether sanctions against Rwanda are expected, Muyaya made it clear:
Secretary Rubio has already said that Washington will enforce the commitments made. If there were no pressure or threat of consequence, M23 wouldn’t be scrambling to make announcements on its own. We await real enforcement from our American partners.”
He underlined that the DRC government remains committed to the U.S.-led mediation, but added:
Rwanda does not believe in peace. Kagame continues to think he can secure prosperity through violence and plunder.”
Humanitarian Crisis: “This is our top concern.”
Turning to the worsening humanitarian situation, Muyaya said:
Over 200,000 civilians have already been displaced, including thousands fleeing to Burundi and Rwanda. On Thursday alone, 20,000 to 30,000 people crossed into Goma.”
He noted that the Congolese government has deployed ministerial delegations to Burundi and Tanzania to assess needs and coordinate aid, but called for urgent international mobilization:
We will do our part. But the world must respond. The best aid we can give these people is to restore peace so they can go back home.
On the viability of the Washington Agreement
Despite the violations, Muyaya reaffirmed the Congolese government’s commitment to the Washington Peace Accord, stressing that the fault lies entirely with Kigali.
President Kagame has never respected agreements. We hope that this time, with America fully engaged, real consequences will follow. Because it’s clear: peace threatens Rwanda’s illicit economy in eastern Congo.
In Conclusion
Minister Muyaya ended with a stark reminder:
“Those who govern by crime cannot guarantee peace. The M23 and their sponsor, Rwanda, must leave our territory. That is the only path to stability.”
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