All For Rwanda expresses its deep concern regarding the cancellation of the Luanda tripartite summit between the Presidents of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Rwanda, and Angola. This failure directly stems from the bad faith of the Rwandan regime, which appears to be exploiting diplomatic frameworks to maintain a status quo that serves its strategic ambitions, to the detriment of affected populations and regional peace efforts. By imposing unrealistic conditions and obstructing any meaningful progress, Kigali is deliberately delaying discussions, wasting valuable time for all stakeholders.
It is now clear that Rwanda is seeking to consolidate, through diplomatic means, what it could not achieve militarily: the de facto control of sovereign territories in the DRC through its proxy, the M23. The conditions it imposes within these processes are solely aimed at achieving its war objectives, with no genuine intention of building a sustainable peace.
We welcome the recent integration of the Nairobi process into the Luanda framework, an initiative that reflects the mediators’ commitment to coordinate their efforts to address the crisis in eastern DRC comprehensively. However, for these diplomatic frameworks to produce tangible results, they must tackle the root causes of the conflict, which has persisted for over two decades. Among these causes, the issue of Rwandan refugees is critical and must be placed at the heart of the discussions. Currently, nearly 250,000 Rwandan refugees, the majority of whom are Hutus, live in precarious conditions and often without legal status, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). These populations, victims of repeated persecution since 1994, continue to be neglected by existing peace mechanisms. A sustainable solution requires serious and inclusive political responses.
A regional political dialogue will only be meaningful if it is genuinely comprehensive and includes all relevant parties, including politico-military groups active in eastern DRC. To ensure its effectiveness, Rwanda must also agree to engage in political dialogue with its opposition. Refusing this opening while demanding similar concessions from the DRC demonstrates a complete lack of sincerity and severely undermines prospects for reconciliation in the region.
All For Rwanda warns against an exclusively military approach to neutralize the FDLR. Such a strategy would not only be a mistake but also a trap that risks worsening the situation. First, it would excessively bolster the diplomatic position of the Rwandan regime while exacerbating tensions around the refugee issue and power in Kigali. Second, it would cause significant civilian casualties, as the FDLR are deeply embedded within the Hutu communities of the Congolese social fabric. Finally, such an approach would run counter to peace objectives, further marginalizing these groups instead of integrating them into a negotiated solution.
We encourage the governments of the DRC and Angola to sustain an inclusive and ambitious diplomatic dynamic. Their commitment to peace and regional stability deserves to be commended and supported. We urge them to focus their efforts on the core issues of the crisis, despite the obstacles imposed by Kigali.
All For Rwanda remains convinced that peace in the Great Lakes region is possible, provided all parties act with sincerity and responsibility. We call on the international community and mediators not to give in to delaying tactics and to prioritize a balanced and inclusive political approach. Only a comprehensive strategy that addresses the root causes of the conflict and engages all parties in sincere dialogue will transform the dynamics of conflict and establish genuine and lasting peace.
Faustin MUREGO
Coordinator for Protection and Security Policies
December 15, 2024