Diplomatic relations between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda have once again deteriorated, following Kigali’s announcement that it is withdrawing from the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), as reported by several media outlets on Sunday, June 8.
Rwanda’s decision has further strained its ties with Congo, at a time when a lasting solution to insecurity in Eastern DRC remains elusive.
According to Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Olivier Nduhungirehe, the country decided to leave ECCAS because the bloc has become a tool of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Efforts to restore peace in Eastern Congo are progressing slowly, even though the so-called “Washington Process” has produced a draft agreement, based on proposals from both sides, which has already been shared with Rwanda and Congo.
Experts from both countries are expected to meet in Washington this week to review the draft, before it is formally approved by the foreign ministers of both nations.
These efforts aim to pave the way for a peace agreement between President Félix Tshisekedi of Congo and President Paul Kagame of Rwanda.
However, peace talks in Doha, Qatar, between the Congolese government and M23/AFC rebels collapsed after 32 days without progress. As a result, M23 delegates withdrew from the talks and returned to Goma last Friday.
Although no significant progress has been made, there is hope that the talks will resume if both sides can agree on key preconditions for productive dialogue.
In an exclusive interview with Rwanda’s national broadcaster, Minister of Foreign Affairs Olivier Nduhungirehe said that while various peaceful avenues are being pursued, Congo continues to sabotage the process.
He stated: “Congo is constantly accusing Rwanda in international and regional organizations, which is a problem, especially while we’re in peace negotiations. Remember that President Kagame met with President Tshisekedi in Doha, Qatar, on March 18.”
Minister Nduhungirehe questioned whether Congo truly desires peace, despite the two countries having signed principles in Washington aimed at reaching a peace accord. Talks are ongoing to finalize that agreement.
