He said the very fact that both countries now have a platform to discuss, agree, or even sign commitments is already 'a good effort' and a step not seen in earlier years of regional diplomacy.
Kagame was speaking during a roundtable with the press on Thursday, November 27, 2025, where he addressed the latest developments in the Rwandaâ€"DRC peace efforts, including delays and inconsistencies from the DRC side.
His remarks came amid reported changes in positions by DRC leaders and ongoing efforts to address the conflict in eastern DRC through the Washington talks and parallel mediation processes.
Referring to the pattern of DRC officials agreeing to terms in Washington or Doha and then publicly contradicting them, Kagame said the inconsistency was not new.
'They agree on one thing in Washington or in Doha… then the next day or week, someone says, no, no, no, we are not going to do this,' he noted.
Kagame stressed that both the Washington process and the separate Doha mediation, where Qatar has facilitated dialogue between the DRC government and the M23/AFC coalition, represent real progress compared to previous years.
'We haven't had anything tangible in place,' he said. 'Whether we arrive at a decisive moment that gives us a clear possibility and optimism that we are near finding lasting peace and soon, it's something we can still continue to hope for and work towards.'
While acknowledging the important role played by international actors, Kagame said the ultimate responsibility lies with regional leaders, particularly in the DRC.
' I am always optimistic. Hopefully there is a chance another day and the following day,' he noted.
IGIHE
