This comes against the backdrop of the postponement of a meeting between President Paul Kagame and his DRC counterpart Félix Tshisekedi, which was expected to culminate in the signing of an agreement to help end the conflict in the troubled region of eastern DRC.
Rwanda's Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed frustration over the failure to reach a consensus, particularly regarding the involvement of the M23 rebel group in peace discussions, which led to the talks stalling on December 15, 2024.
The two sides had previously agreed on measures, such as dismantling the FDLR militia and addressing Rwanda's security concerns. However, progress faltered midway through the discussions.
In an interview with IGIHE, various analysts stressed that meaningful dialogue is essential for lasting peace despite the DRC's reluctance to engage with M23.
Ambassador Joseph Mutaboba pointed out that in negotiations aimed at resolving conflicts, all opposing sides must sit down and have frank discussions.
'Talking with M23 is a necessity in negotiations, in inter-country relations, and in governance. When there's an issue in a household, the husband and wife must sit down to discuss it. Similarly, when it's a family matter, such as between a father and child, they must have a conversation. At the community level, mediators may step in. Problems often need to be solved from the ground up," he stated.
'If Congolese leaders fail to recognize M23 as their own citizens with grievances and a history that needs to be addressed, and if they refuse to sit down and resolve these issues, other, potentially less favourable, solutions may emerge," he added.
Mutaboba emphasized that no external party could provide a solution if the DRC itself does not engage with M23 to find a lasting resolution.
'Rwanda, the region, and the world cannot impose solutions unless they begin at home. Sustainable answers must address the root of the problem, not just its symptoms," Ambassador Mutoba reiterated.
He also suggested that certain individuals might benefit from the ongoing instability, explaining why Tshisekedi's government continues to shift its stance on the issue. If dialogue fails, he warned, some may resort to military means to resolve the conflict.
'When words fail to bring peace, the sound of guns might take over, as some are accustomed to such approaches,' he noted.
Me Gasominari Jean Baptiste argued that the DRC's refusal to engage with M23â€"a group of Congolese Tutsi fighting for their rights and against ongoing persecutionâ€"demonstrates its lack of will to address the security crisis.
'The DRC's unwillingness to engage in dialogue with M23 shows a lack of commitment to resolving the security problem. They consider negotiations with M23 a red line they cannot cross. Yet, M23 currently controls nearly three-quarters of North Kivu province due to military strength. If the government can neither defeat them militarily nor engage in dialogue, what is their end goal?' he posed.
He suggested that the DRC might have hidden political or economic motives for maintaining instability in its eastern region.
'The DRC may not want to resolve the crisis in the east because it could serve other hidden interests. The government might also use the conflict as an excuse for failing to deliver on its promises to citizens,' Gasominari explained.
Instead of focusing on resolving the eastern security crisis, DRC leaders have been more focused on tarnishing Rwanda's image on the international stage, he added.
The M23 movement was formed in 2012 by former CNDP members who accused the DRC government of failing to honour a 2009 peace agreement. Fighting erupted in 2012, halted in 2013, but resumed in November 2021.
In April 2022, M23 participated in peace talks in Nairobi with the DRC government and representatives of armed groups. However, they were later expelled from the negotiations and accused of reigniting the conflict.
IGIHE
