DRC President Tshisekedi's Urgent Appeal to Rwanda's Kagame for Peace

At the European Union's Global Gateway Forum in Brussels on October 9, 2025, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) President Félix Tshisekedi made a direct public appeal to Rwandan President Paul Kagame, urging him to end support for the M23 rebel group and collaborate in halting the ongoing conflict in eastern Congo.

Addressing Kagame directly, Tshisekedi stated, "I extend my hand and ask that we cease hostilities. Let’s halt this escalation." He called on Kagame to "give the order to the M23 troops who have been supported by your country," emphasizing that the violence has "already killed enough people." Tshisekedi framed his request as a critical turning point, asserting that "history will be our judge." He urged a collective pivot away from conflict and toward development, stating, "It's time that we stop. We need to turn now towards peace and growth." (africanews.com)

The M23 rebel group, primarily composed of ethnic Tutsis, has been active in eastern DRC, leading to significant violence and displacement. The DRC government accuses Rwanda of supporting M23, a claim Rwanda denies. Despite a U.S.-brokered peace deal signed in June 2025, hostilities persist, leading to significant humanitarian crises. Rwanda's swift rejection of Tshisekedi's appeal underscores the complexities of achieving peace in the region.

Rwandan officials swiftly rejected Tshisekedi's call, accusing him of provoking conflict and deflecting responsibility. Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe described Tshisekedi's remarks as "political theatrics which have become ridiculous," accusing him of bringing the Congo conflict to the wrong forum. (africanews.com)

The conflict has resulted in thousands of deaths and the displacement of millions. In 2025 alone, around 3,000 people have been killed, and approximately 7 million have been displaced. Over 80% of health facilities in North and South Kivu provinces are without medicine due to ongoing conflict and insufficient humanitarian funding. Essential medicines for diseases like malaria, HIV, and tuberculosis are increasingly unavailable, endangering thousands of lives. (africanews.com)

In response to market instability, President Tshisekedi announced that cobalt exporters who breach the newly implemented quota system will face permanent bans. This move aims to reduce fraud and stabilize cobalt prices, as the DRC produces about 70% of the world's cobalt—a key component in electric batteries. (africanews.com)

Earlier in 2025, leaders from eastern and southern Africa called for a ceasefire and direct negotiations in eastern Congo, urging President Tshisekedi to engage with the M23 rebels. Tshisekedi has refused negotiations, viewing the rebels as exploiting Congo’s mineral wealth. (africanews.com)

The M23 rebellion is partially driven by Rwanda's concerns about anti-Kagame rebels operating in eastern Congo and discrimination against Congolese Tutsis. The region has a history of conflicts involving various rebel groups and accusations of foreign involvement. (africanews.com)

President Tshisekedi's direct appeal to President Kagame highlights the ongoing complexities in the DRC-Rwanda relationship and the broader challenges in achieving lasting peace in eastern Congo. The humanitarian crisis continues to escalate, underscoring the urgent need for effective diplomatic and economic strategies to address both immediate and long-term issues in the region.