As Western diplomats push for de-escalation between Kigali and Kinshasa, the prospect of a meeting between Rwandan President Paul Kagame and Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi in Washington before Christmas remains highly uncertain.
Speaking on RFI, Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Olivier Nduhungirehe, cooled expectations by reaffirming Kigali’s uncompromising stance:
“There will be no peace in eastern Congo unless the genocidal FDLR are neutralized.”
Kigali Accuses Kinshasa of Lacking Political Will
Speaking from Luanda, where he attended the 7th Africa–Europe Summit, the Rwandan foreign minister responded to questions from journalist Christophe Boisbouvier.
He accused Kinshasa of lacking a genuine political will to launch a decisive military operation against the FDLR a Rwandan armed group that has been based in eastern DRC for nearly 30 years.
According to Kigali, neutralizing the FDLR remains the non-negotiable condition for any lasting peace. Nduhungirehe stressed:
“Neutralizing the FDLR will open the way for Rwanda to lift its defensive measures in Congo.”
By “defensive measures,” Kigali refers to the presence of Rwandan forces officially or unofficially across the border, as well as the alleged support to the M23/AFC rebellion, an accusation the Rwandan government continues to deny.
A Highly Tense Diplomatic Context
Nduhungirehe’s remarks come as the United States intensifies efforts to secure a direct dialogue between the two presidents.
Washington, increasingly concerned about the escalating conflict in eastern Congo, is hoping for a de-escalation before the end of the year, ideally before Christmas.
But Rwanda’s firm position complicates diplomatic calculations.
Meanwhile, the Congolese government insists on the total withdrawal of the M23/AFC from occupied areas in North Kivu, accusing Kigali of backing the movement’s military offensives — a charge Rwanda categorically rejects.
Luanda and Washington as Key Mediation Arenas
The Luanda summit, where the Rwandan diplomat made his comments, is one of several ongoing regional and international efforts to bring the two countries closer.
However, no concrete steps or announcements have emerged regarding a possible Kagame–Tshisekedi face-to-face meeting.
For now, the positions remain deeply entrenched:
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Kigali demands the neutralization of the FDLR before any diplomatic breakthrough.
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Kinshasa demands the immediate withdrawal of the M23 from all occupied areas.
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The United States calls for a ceasefire and a direct meeting between both presidents.
A Meeting Before Christmas? Highly Unlikely
At this stage, the notion of a Kagame–Tshisekedi meeting in Washington before Christmas appears highly speculative.
The latest statements from Kigali indicate that Rwanda will not soften its red line as long as the FDLR remain active in eastern DRC.
Without concrete concessions from both sides, regional and international mediators may have to postpone their hopes of a breakthrough until 2026.
LA REDACTION
