Rwandan President Paul Kagame has urged the Democratic Republic of Congo to engage in direct talks with the M23 rebel group, which has recently seized key towns in eastern Congo, further consolidating its control over the conflict-stricken region.
The M23 group, one of over 100 armed factions in the mineral-rich area bordering Rwanda, captured the strategic towns of Katale and Masisi last month, displacing thousands of people. Masisi, located 80 kilometers west of Goma, serves as a critical gateway to Congo’s interior.
Speaking in Kigali, Kagame emphasized the need for dialogue to resolve the ongoing conflict. “The solution lies in internal political processes or dialogue,” he said, warning that neglecting negotiations reflects a lack of willingness to address the issue politically.
Tensions Over Rwanda’s Alleged Role
The Congolese government has repeatedly accused Rwanda of backing M23, a claim supported by U.N. experts who estimate up to 4,000 Rwandan forces are operating in Congo. Kigali denies these allegations, maintaining that Congo must address security threats, including the FDLR, a group comprising alleged perpetrators of Rwanda’s 1994 genocide embedded within the Congolese army.
“The FDLR question has to be answered,” Kagame added, accusing Congo of fostering instability and creating refugees who flee to Rwanda.