Tshisekedi Rejects Rebel Integration Ahead of Rwanda Peace Talks

Kinshasa, Nov. 29, 2025 — President Félix Tshisekedi has firmly rejected any possibility of integrating M23 or other armed groups into the Congolese army (FARDC), in remarks made ahead of the expected Washington peace summit with Rwanda. Speaking to the Congolese diaspora in Serbia, the Head of State drew a clear red line: “There will be neither mixing nor integration.”

This position aligns with a 2022 resolution by the Congolese National Assembly, which explicitly banned negotiations with so-called “negative forces” and prohibited their integration into national defense and security institutions. The resolution came in response to repeated cycles of violence, where armed groups once reintegrated into the FARDC later resurfaced as threats, often with foreign backing.

“I will go to Washington to ratify what was signed under the auspices of the United States, but let no one be fooled: there will be neither mixing nor integration into FARDC.  Tshisekedi warned, reinforcing that any peace deal must respect Congo’s sovereignty and demand the withdrawal of Rwandan forces from Congolese territory.

President Tshisekedi also addressed the broader East African regional integration project, reiterating that while Congo remains committed to regional unity, trust was broken when Rwanda backed M23’s resurgence in 2022, effectively “stabbing the DRC in the back.”

“One does not engage in regional trade without peace or restored trust,” he added.

This stance comes as international pressure mounts for both Kigali and Kinshasa to honor the terms of the Washington Agreement, which is set to be ratified during a summit on December 4. The U.S.-brokered roadmap includes plans for the withdrawal of M23 forces, the neutralization of FDLR forces, and the de-escalation of military tensions.

Key Takeaways:

• No more armed group integration: Congo will not repeat past mistakes of absorbing rebels into the army.

• Peace comes with accountability: Kigali must withdraw its troops and stop supporting M23.

• Trust must be earned: Tshisekedi frames regional integration as conditional on respect, not blind allegiance.

This firm message places Kinshasa in a position of moral clarity and strategic discipline ahead of Washington’s talks, signaling that Congo will not trade justice and sovereignty for superficial peace.