Rwanda on Monday urged the African Union (AU) to fully support and implement existing diplomatic agreements as the most credible pathway to restoring lasting peace and security in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The call was made by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Olivier Nduhungirehe, during the 1321st Ministerial Meeting of the African Union Peace and Security Council (AUPSC), which focused on the deteriorating security situation in Eastern DRC.
In his address, Minister Nduhungirehe emphasized that the diplomatic gains achieved in 2025 offer a realistic opportunity to end recurring cycles of violence in the Great Lakes region. He stressed that sustained political commitment and coordinated implementation by all stakeholders are essential to translate agreements into tangible peace on the ground.
The minister expressed Rwanda’s deep concern over the continued presence and activities of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), describing the Kinshasa backed armed group as the most significant unresolved security threat in the region. He cited recent attacks, including the burning of a village in Walikale territory on 15 December 2025, as evidence of the group’s ongoing destabilizing role.
Rwanda also raised alarm over what it described as daily ceasefire violations by the armed coalition operating alongside the DRC government. Minister Nduhungirehe underlined that a ceasefire, by definition, is a mutual commitment between conflicting parties and cannot be selectively imposed on one side. He noted that equal obligation and accountability are fundamental for any ceasefire arrangement to succeed.
Welcoming recent developments, Rwanda acknowledged the unilateral withdrawal of the AFC/M23 from Uvira as a gesture of goodwill toward mediators and a signal of readiness to return to negotiations. The minister reaffirmed Rwanda’s continued engagement with AU led mediation efforts, as well as initiatives supported by the United States.
He further reiterated Rwanda’s commitment to the implementation of commitments undertaken in Washington, particularly those related to the neutralization of the FDLR, which Kigali considers central to achieving durable peace and regional stability.
The AUPSC meeting brought together foreign ministers and senior officials from AU member states to assess the evolving security dynamics in Eastern DRC and explore coordinated responses aimed at preventing further escalation and protecting civilian populations.
