Rwandan President Paul Kagame (right) and former President Uhuru Kenyatta (left) pictured during their meeting in March 2019. (PHOTO: PAUL KAGAME)
In Summary:
- Rwandan President Kagame urges the revival of the Nairobi peace process led by former President Uhuru Kenyatta for stability in the DRC.
- Tensions escalate at the African Union (AU) meeting as Kagame asserts Rwanda’s commitment to protecting its people, amid concerns over regional stability.
On Saturday, February 17, Rwandan President Paul Kagame called for the reinstatement of the Nairobi peace initiative, spearheaded by former President Uhuru Kenyatta, aimed at fostering peace and stability in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
His plea comes after a strained African Union (AU) gathering, where Kagame reiterated Rwanda’s dedication to safeguarding its citizens without seeking external approval.
Kagame’s remarks during the AU summit were met with controversy, with his statements omitted from the official AU communiqué.
Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed deep concern over the DRC government’s alleged abandonment of both the Luanda and Nairobi peace processes, highlighting the escalating military tensions in the region.
“The recent M23 advances are due to the DRC’s decision to expel the East African Community Regional Force in December 2023, which oversaw ceasefire and withdrawal efforts,” Kagame defended his stance.
While Rwanda accuses the DRC of aggressive military actions and expulsion of regional peacekeeping forces, the AU emphasizes the humanitarian crisis in Eastern DRC, attributing it to Rwanda-backed M23 rebels.
The AU reaffirms its support for the Nairobi and Luanda processes, urging armed groups to cease hostilities and engage in dialogue.
“Rwanda is deeply concerned by the abandonment of the Luanda and Nairobi Processes by the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo, and by the international community’s indifference to DRC’s dramatic military build-up,” Rwandan foreign ministry released a statement moments after the AU Summit.
Kagame rebukes statements by the United States, dismissing allegations of its involvement in the DRC crisis.
“The statement issued by the U.S. Department of State stands in puzzling contradiction with the substance and tone of the confidence-building process initiated by the U.S. Director of National Intelligence in November 2023, which created a productive framework for de-escalation,” Kagame’s administration stated.