DRC: Paul Kagame complicates the task of Angolan mediation
The tension in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has reached a boiling point. The security situation in this region, plagued by armed groups, has deteriorated significantly. Rwandan President Paul Kagame found himself unexpectedly facing off against a determined and unwavering President of the DRC, Félix Tshisekedi.
Tshisekedi’s steadfast commitment to defending the DRC has put Kagame in a precarious position, as he appears to be playing with the lives of innocent Congolese amid escalating tensions.
In a recent interview with Kenyan media outlet NTV, President Kagame acknowledged the Rwandan state’s partial responsibility for the security crisis affecting the population in North Kivu, particularly in the mining hub of Rubaya, known as the “coltan capital.”
The area, located in North Kivu’s Masisi territory, is encircled by M23 rebels with backing from the Rwandan army.
While Kagame didn’t deny Rwanda’s role in the systematic exploitation of resources, he pointed out that other actors are also profiting from the DRC’s strategic minerals, perpetuating the long-standing armed conflict.
President Kagame highlighted the complexity of the situation, attributing part of the challenge to the involvement of multinational corporations.
This raises questions about Kagame’s role—is he a puppet manipulated by external forces?
While such claims remain speculative, it’s evident that Kagame’s actions have not contributed to restoring peace in eastern Congo.
Diplomatic relations between Rwanda and the DRC have become increasingly strained, underscoring profound misunderstandings between Presidents Kagame and Tshisekedi.
This week, global actors including the UN Security Council, the United States, China, and England have condemned Rwanda’s support for the M23 rebels, recognizing it as a destabilizing factor.
However, condemnation alone is insufficient; concrete actions are needed to address the root causes of the conflict.
Will the international community take decisive steps to hold Kagame and his allies accountable? Only time will reveal the answer.
As the designated mediator for the African Union, Angolan President Joao Lourenço continues his efforts to facilitate dialogue between Kinshasa and Kigali, seeking a peaceful resolution to the diplomatic crisis.
Ministerial delegations from both countries recently convened in Luanda to discuss potential steps forward, including the withdrawal of Rwandan troops from the DRC and the pre-cantonment of the M23, prerequisites for a meaningful summit between Tshisekedi and Kagame.
Jean-Robert TCHANDY
