In a recent interview on Top Congo FM, Muyaya stated that the withdrawal of the M23 rebels would be carried out in the same spirit as the Joint Security Coordination Mechanism (JSCM), established under the Washington Peace Agreement of June 27, 2025, on dismantling the FDLR militia group.
However, in a post on X, Minister Nduhungirehe termed Muyaya's remarks as a 'blatant disinformation' aimed at misleading the Congolese public.
Nduhungirehe clarified that the JSCM is a strictly bilateral mechanism between Rwanda and the DRC, responsible only for neutralising the genocidal FDLR group and overseeing the lifting of Rwanda's defensive security measures along the border with the DRC.
According to the minister, the AFC/M23 rebel group is not covered by the mechanism, neither in its wording nor in its spirit.
Unlike the JSCM's mandate, which focuses on the 'neutralisation' of a cross-border security threat and the lifting of related defensive measures, Nduhungirehe said the issue of the M23 will be resolved through political dialogue.
The dialogue aims to 'address the root causes of the conflict' and find an 'effective resolution,' which would logically follow the restoration of state authority.
"These points are clearly stated in the Doha Declaration of Principles," he added.
The Doha Declaration was signed on Saturday in Qatar between representatives of the DRC government and the AFC/M23 rebels, marking a significant step towards ending years of conflict in eastern Congo.
The agreement is part of ongoing peace efforts facilitated by the State of Qatar, with support from the United States, the African Union, and regional bodies such as the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
Following the June 27 Washington agreement between Rwanda and the DRC, Rwanda's Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the Doha signing as 'a significant step forward towards the peaceful resolution' of the conflict in eastern DRC. The ministry praised Qatar's mediation role and called for continued support to conclude the peace process.
Rwanda reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable peace and economic development in the Great Lakes region, stressing the importance of addressing the root causes of conflict to restore security and stability.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
