During his remarks at the Global Gateway Forum in Brussels, Belgium, on Thursday, October 9, 2025, Tshisekedi stated that ending the conflict in eastern DRC rests between him and President Kagame. He also called on the Rwandan President to order AFC/M23 to cease hostilities.
Rwanda strongly rejected Tshisekedi's remarks reminding him that the issue of AFC/M23 is under his jurisdiction.
Speaking to RBA on Sunday, Minister Nduhungirehe condemned Tshisekedi's actions as political theatre.
'Tshisekedi should stop playing this game and instead sit down, read and implement signed agreements. There are the Washington agreements regarding the elimination of FDLR [terrorist group formed by individuals responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi] and removal of defensive measures. This was discussed in Washington recently, and we agreed that October 1st was the starting date for the 90-day plan,' he said.
He emphasized that the issue of AFC/M23 must be addressed through the Doha talks, where the group has been engaged in dialogue with the DRC government.
'On the other hand, there are the Doha talks where AFC/M23 engage with the DRC government to discuss the underlying reasons for the situation in Eastern Congo between the Congolese people. They are seeking a long-term solution. This means all the issues concerning M23 must be addressed in Doha.'
Regarding Tshisekedi's comments asking President Kagame to instruct AFC/M23 to cease hostilities, Amb. Nduhungirehe said, 'President Tshisekedi should not come to Brussels and stir things up, telling President Kagame to instruct M23 to withdraw its troops. That is an attempt to mislead the public. He should sit down and implement the Washington agreements and expedite the Doha agreements, as he is the one delaying them due to issues he does not accept or act upon.'
Last week, Bertrand Bisimwa, the deputy coordinator of AFC/M23 responsible for political affairs, told President Tshisekedi that President Paul Kagame has no connection to the group and suggested that President Tshisekedi should reconcile with the group by fulfilling his promises.
M23 fighters resumed fighting in 2021 in response to Kinshasa's failure to address grievances, including the marginalization of the Congolese and Tutsi communities.
IGIHE
