Rwandan President Paul Kagame has accused the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) of delaying the signing of a key peace agreement meant to end fighting in eastern Congo.
Kagame made the remarks on Thursday during a press conference, saying the DRC was introducing new conditions that were not part of the original agreement reached in Washington earlier this year. He insisted that Rwanda was not responsible for the delays.
The Washington deal, brokered by the United States in June, was aimed at ending decades of conflict in eastern DRC — a region rich in minerals but plagued by armed groups. In July, the DRC also signed a declaration of principles with the M23 rebel group in Doha, committing to a permanent ceasefire.
However, fighting has continued, with both sides accusing each other of violating agreements.
Tensions escalated in January when the M23, an armed group supported by Rwanda according to the UN and Western governments, captured key areas including Goma and Bukavu. The violence has caused mass displacement and worsened the humanitarian crisis for millions of civilians.
Kagame said the peace process was being held back by new demands from Kinshasa. “What is delaying does not come from Rwanda,” he said, adding that the conditions being set by the DRC were different from what had been agreed in Washington.
The DRC presidency told AFP that the signing of the deal could take place in Washington on December 4 between Kagame and Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi — though the date remains unconfirmed.
Kagame said he was unsure whether the meeting would happen: “We would wait and keep hoping.”
Earlier this month, the United States urged both countries to speed up efforts to implement the peace agreement. In a joint statement, Rwanda and the DRC admitted that progress had been slow and agreed to intensify their cooperation.
The conflict in eastern Congo has lasted more than 30 years and has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives. Regional leaders and the international community continue to push for lasting peace.
