DRC President Appeals to Rwanda's Kagame to Halt M23 Rebel Support

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

Addressing Kagame, who was present in the audience, Tshisekedi stated, "I have seen the President of Rwanda, that is who I am talking about. I extend my hand and ask that we cease hostilities. Let's halt this escalation." (africanews.com)

He further 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." (africanews.com)

The M23 rebel group, also known as the March 23 Movement, is a Congolese Tutsi-led militia that emerged in 2012, citing grievances over the implementation of a 2009 peace agreement. The group has been active in the eastern regions of the DRC, leading to thousands of deaths and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people. (theguardian.com)

The DRC government has accused Rwanda of providing support to the M23 rebels, a claim that Rwanda has consistently denied. These allegations have further strained the already tense relations between the two neighboring countries. (theguardian.com)

The appeal by President Tshisekedi occurred amid ongoing diplomatic efforts by the United States and Qatar to mediate peace between the DRC and Rwanda. However, these efforts have faced challenges as fighting continues in the region. (theguardian.com)

Rwandan officials swiftly rejected Tshisekedi's call for peace, accusing him of provoking conflict and using the forum to deflect responsibility. This response underscores the complexities of the DRC-Rwanda relationship and the challenges in achieving a lasting resolution to the conflict. (theguardian.com)

The ongoing conflict has had severe humanitarian consequences. Reports indicate that more than 80% of health facilities in eastern Congo are out of medicine, exacerbating the suffering of the local population. (theguardian.com)

The DRC and Rwanda have a history of complex and often contentious relations, particularly concerning conflicts in the eastern DRC. The region has been a hotspot for various armed groups, with allegations of cross-border support fueling tensions. The current situation with the M23 insurgency is a continuation of these longstanding issues. (theguardian.com)

President Tshisekedi's public appeal to President Kagame highlights the urgent need for collaborative efforts to address the M23 insurgency and its devastating impact on the eastern DRC. The situation underscores the complexities of regional politics, the challenges of international mediation, and the pressing humanitarian needs of the affected populations.