U.S. Lobby Firm Calls for Regime Change in Rwanda, Warns on Congo

In a series of bold and uncompromising statements this December, U.S.-based public policy and lobbying firm Von Batten-Montague-York, L.C. issued a sharp denunciation of Rwandan President Paul Kagame, accusing him of undermining democracy at home and fueling instability across the Great Lakes region, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The firm, which advises U.S. lawmakers and engages directly with international stakeholders, has escalated its rhetoric in recent weeks, calling Kagame a “dictator,” a “threat to regional peace,” and an obstacle to lasting stability in Central Africa.

"No Peace in DRC Without Democracy in Rwanda"

In a December 12 statement, the firm linked Kagame’s internal autocracy to the prolonged violence in neighboring Congo, declaring:

“There will be no lasting peace in the DRC until genuine democracy is restored in Rwanda.”

It criticized Kagame’s repeated re-elections with 99% of the vote as “defying all credibility,” describing Rwanda’s political system as a façade for authoritarian rule. The firm explicitly endorsed Rwanda’s pro-democracy opposition, vowing to support efforts aimed at establishing a “government of the people, by the people, and for the people.”

Direct Challenge Over Trump-Led Peace Talks

The lobbying firm was especially critical of Kagame’s conduct following the December 4 Washington Peace Accords, brokered by former U.S. President Donald Trump. On December 13, the firm accused Kagame of betraying U.S. trust:

“Kagame has turned my country, the United States, into a laughingstock. The time for dialogue is over; the time for Kagame to leave has come.”

This sentiment reflects growing frustration in Washington following renewed M23 rebel offensives, allegedly backed by Rwanda, that erupted in eastern Congo just days after the Accords were signed.

“Kagame’s Strategy Is Madness”

In a December 16 post, the firm warned against interpreting M23’s selective withdrawals, such as from Uvira, as genuine efforts toward peace:

“Kagame is a long-term strategist… We cannot rest for even a minute until the madman called Kagame is stopped.”

Von Batten-Montague-York accuses Kagame of using M23 as a proxy force to destabilize DRC, discredit Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi, and consolidate Rwandan regional dominance.

Push for Rwanda’s Suspension from AGOA

The firm also urged the U.S. Congress to take legislative action by revoking Rwanda’s eligibility under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), citing serious violations of Section 104, which outlines eligibility requirements based on human rights, good governance, and conflict resolution.

“President Kagame and his associates should not benefit from AGOA while innocent men, women, and children in DRC are being slaughtered by forces loyal to him.”

Congressional Briefings and Fact-Finding Mission

Von Batten-Montague-York says it is preparing detailed briefings for members of the U.S. Senate, including Senator Lindsey Graham, based on firsthand testimony of M23’s actions in eastern Congo.

“The atrocities committed by Kagame’s M23 would shock members of Congress to tears.”

This effort aims to challenge what the firm describes as Kagame’s “false narrative” presented to American lawmakers.

Rwandan Opposition Backed for Democratic Transition

In its latest statement, the firm’s chair, Dr. Von Batten, confirmed meetings with Rwandan opposition leaders, calling for a unified front to bring democratic change.

“A decisive moment is coming: the unification of Rwanda’s opposition groups into a single, powerful, pro-democracy voice rooted in freedom and legitimacy has begun.”

The statement adds momentum to growing calls among regional observers, Congolese civil society, and human rights organizations for stronger international action against Kagame’s regime.

Context: Kagame Under Increasing Pressure

President Kagame, who has ruled Rwanda since 2000, has faced mounting criticism over the years for repressing dissent, jailing opposition leaders, and maintaining a de facto one-party state. International human rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, have long accused his administration of extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and media repression.

Kigali has also come under renewed scrutiny over its military support for the M23 rebel group, whose offensives in eastern Congo have resulted in mass civilian displacement, attacks on peacekeepers, and mounting allegations of war crimes, allegations Kigali denies.