Tshisekedi Pushes Peace as Rwanda Rejects Dialogue

Kinshasa, Oct. 2025 — The diplomatic tension between Kinshasa and Kigali deepened this weekend after Rwanda’s foreign minister, Olivier Nduhungirehe, rejected President Félix Tshisekedi’s renewed offer of dialogue, an offer aimed at restoring peace in the Great Lakes region.

In an X post formerly Twitter-laced with sarcasm and hostility, the Rwandan minister dismissed Congo’s peace initiative as "commedia dell'arte," saying Rwanda had no interest in talks. This sharp rhetoric underscores a growing truth that has long been observed by regional diplomats: Kinshasa is seeking solutions, while Kigali fuels confrontation.

Rwanda’s Rejection and Accusations

Rather than responding in good faith, Rwanda’s foreign minister chose to issue a list of accusations, claiming Congo violates ceasefires, collaborates with militias, and uses mercenaries. Analysts in Kinshasa view these as deflection tactics designed to shift attention away from Kigali’s well-documented military support to the M23 rebels, whose attacks have displaced over 3 million Congolese civilians in North Kivu.

Observers note that while Rwanda denounces “hate speech,” its army continues to occupy parts of eastern DRC through M23 proxies, commit massacres, and exploit Congolese minerals, all in violation of international law and multiple UN reports.

Tshisekedi’s Statesmanlike Response

President Tshisekedi, speaking from Brussels, remained composed and resolute. Addressing Congolese living abroad, he reaffirmed his commitment to peace, saying: