Kagame Blasts East African Leaders Over Disjointed Approach to DRC Crisis

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Nairobi, Kenya| Rwandan President Paul Kagame has strongly criticized the East African Community (EAC) for its ineffective and fragmented response to the ongoing crisis in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Speaking during an emergency EAC Summit convened by Kenyan President William Ruto, Kagame accused regional leaders of prioritizing their own national interests over collective action, leading to worsening instability in the conflict-ridden region.

The summit, which was notably snubbed by DRC President Félix Tshisekedi, addressed the deteriorating security situation in Eastern DRC, where the resurgence of the M23 rebel group has escalated tensions.

Kagame openly questioned the bloc’s decision-making, particularly its compliance with Tshisekedi’s move to replace the EAC Regional Force (EAC-RF) with troops from the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

“Tshisekedi decided we were not doing what he wanted and went to SADC. SADC agreed they’d come and do what he wanted and sent everybody else (EAC) packing. We complied and kept quiet,” Kagame lamented, as quoted in a statement from the Rwandan presidency.

Kagame expressed disbelief at how the EAC had allowed itself to be sidelined from the DRC peace efforts, only to now act surprised by the deteriorating situation.

He particularly referenced the withdrawal of the EAC-RF in December 2023 and the subsequent capture of Goma by M23 rebels.

“What really did we expect?” he asked, pointing to the predictable escalation of violence.

Criticism of Regional Peace Processes

Kagame also took aim at the Nairobi and Luanda peace processes, claiming they had become self-serving rather than solution-driven.

“The Nairobi Process became an Uhuru Process, the Luanda Process is like you cannot say anything that will displease President Lourenço,” he remarked, referring to Kenya’s former President Uhuru Kenyatta and Angola’s President João Lourenço, both key figures in the mediation efforts.

The Nairobi Process was established to facilitate political dialogue among Congolese stakeholders, while the Luanda Process, spearheaded by Angola, was meant to mediate tensions between Rwanda and the DRC.

Kagame suggested that these initiatives had lost their focus, serving more as platforms for individual leaders than as viable solutions to the crisis.

War of Words with South Africa

Beyond the EAC, Kagame also responded sharply to criticism from South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who had labeled the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) as a militia.

“The Rwanda Defence Force is an army, not a militia,” Kagame asserted, accusing South Africa of misrepresenting the situation in Eastern DRC.

He dismissed claims that Ramaphosa had issued a warning to him over Rwanda’s alleged support for M23 rebels, stating, “President Ramaphosa has never given a ‘warning’ of any kind, unless it was delivered in his local language, which I do not understand.”

Video: President Kagame speaking during a virtual EAC Extraordinary Summit|Credits: Youtube/Nation Africa

Kagame further criticized the SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC), labeling it a “belligerent” force that had worsened the crisis by displacing the EAC-RF, which he described as a true peacekeeping force.

“SAMIDRC displaced a true peacekeeping force, the East African Community Regional Force, and this contributed to the failure of the negotiation processes,” Kagame stated.

Rising Tensions Amid M23 Resurgence

Kagame’s remarks come amid escalating tensions between Rwanda and the DRC, particularly following M23’s recent military advances, including its takeover of Goma.

The DRC government has long accused Rwanda of backing the M23 rebels, allegations that Kigali has repeatedly denied.

As diplomatic rifts deepen and military confrontations intensify, the future of the regional approach to peace in Eastern DRC remains uncertain.

With Kagame openly challenging the effectiveness of both EAC and SADC interventions, the crisis continues to strain regional relationships and complicate efforts to restore stability in the volatile region.


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