Rwanda, DRC Peace Talks Collapse
Instead of the planned tripartite meeting, Presidents Tshisekedi and Lourenço held bilateral discussions
Efforts to resolve the ongoing conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) collapsed on Sunday after disagreements between the DRC and Rwanda derailed a high-stakes peace summit in Luanda, Angola.
The meeting, which was set to bring together DRC President Félix Tshisekedi, Angolan President João Lourenço, and Rwandan President Paul Kagame, was canceled after both sides imposed conditions that could not be reconciled.
The DRC presidency, in a statement, attributed the breakdown to Rwanda’s refusal to participate, citing Kigali’s insistence on “the organization of a direct dialogue between the DRC and the M23 terrorists” as a precondition for any agreement.
The statement described the demand as unacceptable, noting that “the Congolese side categorically rejects any negotiation with a terrorist group responsible for atrocities in the east of the country.”
Rwandan officials, however, pointed to remarks by President Tshisekedi as a significant obstacle to the talks.
Rwanda’s Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe accused Tshisekedi of using “dangerous and divisive rhetoric” that has “fueled xenophobia against Congolese Tutsi communities in the east.”
Speaking ahead of the summit, Nduhungirehe said, “It is shocking to hear conspiracy theories such as the so-called ‘great replacement’ being endorsed at this level. Such statements make genuine dialogue impossible.”
Kagame did not show up for the event.
Instead of the planned tripartite meeting, Presidents Tshisekedi and Lourenço held bilateral discussions in an effort to salvage some progress.
Former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, facilitator of the Nairobi peace process, also participated and provided an update on ongoing efforts to disarm and reintegrate armed groups.
Kenyatta remarked, “The M23’s decision to abandon negotiations and pursue military action has undermined regional peace initiatives. We must find a way to bring all parties back to the table.”
The failure of the Luanda summit underscores the growing mistrust between the DRC and Rwanda.
Analysts warn that the collapse of talks could lead to further violence, as the M23 continues its offensive and regional tensions escalate.
As regional leaders scramble to salvage the peace process, the situation on the ground remains dire. With millions displaced by the conflict, the need for a breakthrough is urgent, but the entrenched positions of both sides have left little room for compromise.