Tshisekedi Draws the Line: “Never Again” to mixage et brassage

Brussels, President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo has once again reaffirmed his stance as a leader unwilling to trade the dignity of the Congolese people for empty peace deals.

Speaking to Congolese nationals in Belgium, the Head of State made it clear: those who took up arms against their own country to serve foreign interests, a veiled reference to Rwanda’s backing of M23, will never again be integrated into state institutions.

“That will never happen again, unless they kill me,” declared Tshisekedi, his voice firm and unyielding.

For decades, the DRC has suffered from what Congolese call “mixage et brassage,” the systematic reintegration of rebels into the army and government after every cycle of war. Far from bringing peace, this policy created a revolving door of violence, corruption, and foreign manipulation, especially from Kigali.

A President Who Refuses to Bow

In his speech, President Tshisekedi explained that his statement at the Global Gateway Forum in Brussels was not just a message to Paul Kagame but to the world. “I extended my hand in peace,” he said, “so that the international community would see that Congo seeks peace, not war.”

But the Rwandan response, through Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe, was typical of Kigali’s deflection tactics, dismissing Tshisekedi’s offer as “political theatre” while continuing to deny Rwanda’s well-documented military involvement in eastern Congo.

Despite this, Tshisekedi’s call resonated across Africa and the diaspora: Congo’s pursuit of peace does not mean submission. “We are portrayed as aggressors,” he said, “but we are the ones defending our sovereignty. Those who attack us must name themselves, and history will judge.”

Never Again to Rwanda’s Shadow Wars

Tshisekedi’s statement, “unless they kill me,” is more than defiance; it’s a declaration of sovereignty. For the first time in decades, Congo is rejecting the illusion of reconciliation with rebels created and financed by Kigali to destabilize the region.

Since the Sun City Accords of 2002, Rwanda and its proxies have exploited the DRC’s goodwill, turning “peace talks” into infiltration routes. The President made it clear: “There will be no dialogue with aggressors acting on behalf of foreign powers.”

His stance has the full support of the Congolese people, weary of perpetual war. From Bukavu to Goma, the message is clear: the era of appeasement is over.

A War for Dignity, Not Territory

In his remarks, Tshisekedi acknowledged the economic toll of the ongoing conflict, billions diverted from education, healthcare, and infrastructure toward national defense. “We want peace,” he said, “but not peace at any cost.”

As fighting continues in North and South Kivu between M23 and the Congolese army, supported by Wazalendo defense groups, Kinshasa remains committed to diplomatic and military strategies aimed at restoring sovereignty over its mineral-rich eastern provinces.

Analysts agree that Rwanda’s ambitions extend beyond “security concerns”; they are economic. Control over Congo’s cobalt, coltan, and gold drives the cycle of proxy wars. Tshisekedi’s new policy, no negotiation without accountability, cuts directly into the heart of this exploitation network.

A Turning Point for the Great Lakes

Tshisekedi’s speech marks a defining moment for the Great Lakes region. It was not a call for isolation, but for justice and balance, a warning to those who hide behind international diplomacy while arming militias and stealing from Congo’s soil.

In Brussels, his words echoed the determination of a nation that has endured invasion after invasion and yet continues to rise:

“We have been accused of being the aggressors, yet we are the ones who have been attacked. We will defend our country, and we will do so with dignity.”