He delivered the message on February 6, 2026, during the second day of the National Umushyikirano Council underway at the Kigali Convention Centre.
Echoing President Paul Kagame's statement on February 5, Amb. Nduhungirehe reiterated that the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is an internal Congolese matter and was not caused by Rwanda.
He said DRC President Félix Tshisekedi, who accuses Rwanda of backing the AFC/M23 coalition, abandoned African-led peace initiatives that were intended to restore stability in his country, opting instead to seek mediation beyond the continent.
'He is the one who took the process outside Africa, going to Qatar and Washington to involve those countries in the talks, without even mentioning Paris in France. So claims that Rwanda moved the negotiations outside Africa are simply false,' he said.
Amb. Nduhungirehe noted that despite the signing of a peace agreement in Washington, the coalition of Congolese government forces continued to launch attacks against AFC/M23 positions and civilians, including Banyamulenge communities in Minembwe Commune.
He told participants that Rwanda supports the full implementation of the peace agreements, the dismantling of the FDLR terrorist group, the lifting of Rwanda's defensive measures, and the restoration of lasting peace across the region.
The minister further assured Rwandans that while fighting persists in the neighbouring country, Rwanda's borders and population remain well protected through a range of defence systems.
'Rwanda is secure. The country is protected. Rwandans should go about their lives and sleep peacefully. We have put in place defence measures, some of which you have seen intercepting incoming shells, and others. All are designed to protect Rwanda and its people, so that we can continue pursuing our development goals,' he said.
Rwanda introduced enhanced defence measures following mortar attacks launched by the FDLR, in collaboration with the Congolese armed forces (FARDC), which targeted parts of Musanze District, in March, May, and June 2022.
IGIHE
