In his speech on Thursday, October 9, 2025, President Tshisekedi claimed that since his election in 2019, he had visited all nine of DRC's neighbouring countries, including Rwanda and Uganda, to foster cooperation and development. He further stated that he had never shown any belligerent attitude toward Rwanda or Uganda, and called for joint efforts to stop escalations in the Great Lakes region.
Rwanda's Government countered these claims, noting that more than ten peace agreements between Rwanda and the DRC have been signed since 1999 but were never implemented due to a lack of political will on the part of the DRC government.
Rwanda highlighted repeated instances where the DRC, under Tshisekedi, promoted hostile rhetoric and scapegoated Rwanda at international forums, including calls for sanctions at the UN General Assembly, while also engaging in persecution of Rwandan citizens and Congolese Tutsi communities.
The statement outlined a long history of belligerent actions by the DRC, including threats of war during President Tshisekedi's re-election campaign, boasting about DRC drones and attacks on Kigali, pledges to support actors seeking to overthrow the Rwandan government, and repeated calls for hardline measures against Rwanda.
Locally, DRC officials have fomented hatred against Rwanda, including indoctrination in schools, targeted campaigns to international governments, arbitrary arrests, detention, torture of Rwandan citizens, and at least two confirmed deaths in Kinshasa prisons. The DRC also closed its airspace to civilian flights from Rwanda and filed numerous frivolous cases against Rwanda in international fora.
Security incidents were also highlighted. Since 2019, more than 20 cross-border attacks and violations of Rwandan airspace have occurred, including the shelling of Rubavu in January 2025, which killed 16 Rwandan civilians.
Rwanda emphasised that attempts to resolve the security threats bilaterally, particularly from the DRC-backed FDLR militia, linked to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, were repeatedly rejected by the DRC, which instead pursued a military solution, including recruiting foreign troops and mercenaries.
Rwanda criticised President Tshisekedi's claims that he and Rwanda alone could stop escalations. According to Kigali, de-escalation is entirely within the DRC president's hands and requires implementing existing peace mechanisms, dismantling and neutralising armed groups such as the FDLR, disarming militia groups like Wazalendo, and stopping the influx of hostile Burundian army troops into South Kivu. Peace will also require sincere participation in ongoing negotiations with the AFC/M23 Congolese rebel movement through the Doha process.
Regarding regional diplomatic efforts, Rwanda explained its decision to abstain from an 'empty photo opportunity' in Luanda, as the DRC refused to act on its pledge to negotiate with internal rebellions that threaten Rwandan security. The spokesperson also clarified that the Regional Economic Integration Framework and the Washington Peace Agreement have been frustrated by the DRC, undermining regional stability.
Rwanda further addressed claims about troop contributions and casualties, noting that SADC forces were drawn unnecessarily into the DRC's internal conflict and suffered casualties. These forces, along with 300 European mercenaries hired by the DRC, were later granted safe passage through Rwanda after being defeated, highlighting Rwanda's commitment to humanitarian treatment even amid belligerence.
President Tshisekedi also cited 'millions' of victims and called for sanctions, which Rwanda refuted as exaggerated or historically inaccurate. Kigali emphasised that endless appeals for sanctions or mediation-shopping would not achieve peace. True stability requires political will, respect for agreements, and concrete action by the DRC.
In conclusion, Rwanda stated that while President Tshisekedi's speech contained calls for dialogue, the path to peace is clear: the DRC must implement agreements it has signed, neutralise destabilising armed groups, and genuinely engage in bilateral and regional peace processes.
"Empty words, lies, and distortions will not result in the peace that all the countries of the Great Lakes region need," the Office of the Government Spokesperson stated.
"President Tshisekedi must keep his word, respect and implement agreements the DRC has signed, and not take for granted regional and international partners that are investing in ongoing peace processes."
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/rwanda-exposes-tshisekedi-s-misrepresentations-at-brussels-forum
