Rwanda Rebuts DRC’s Claims on M23 Dialogue in Luanda Peace Process
Kigali, 16 December 2024 – The Rwandan Government has firmly rejected allegations by the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) Presidency that Kigali introduced the issue of dialogue with the M23 as a “last-minute condition” during the Luanda Process’s 7th ministerial meeting held on 14 December 2024.
In a detailed response, Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) outlined the sequence of events to clarify the situation and refute these claims:
- Angolan Facilitator’s Role: The M23 issue was not introduced by Rwanda but by the Angolan Facilitator, who proposed a draft agreement addressing the M23 to both Rwanda and DRC Presidents in August 2024.
- Engagement with M23: In early September 2024, the Facilitator invited the M23 leadership to Luanda to discuss the group’s political grievances, further incorporating their concerns into the process.
- Rwanda’s Consistent Position: Rwanda has advocated for direct dialogue between the DRC government and the M23 since September 2024, with this stance being officially documented during the 4th ministerial meeting of the Luanda Process.
- Collaborative Efforts: Following additional discussions in late November, Rwanda submitted a written proposal emphasizing the need for dialogue as a crucial element for resolving the conflict.
- Agreement by DRC: By 30 November 2024, the Angolan Facilitator confirmed that the DRC had accepted the need for dialogue with the M23 under the Nairobi Process framework.
Rwanda’s MFA described the DRC’s recent statement as “misleading and unfounded,” emphasizing that Kigali’s stance on the M23 dialogue has been consistent and transparent throughout the peace process.
The Ministry also expressed concerns that such misrepresentations undermine the credibility of ongoing efforts to resolve the conflict. “Sustainable peace requires honesty and a commitment to addressing the root causes of the conflict,” the MFA stated.
Rwanda reaffirmed its readiness to support regional peace initiatives but called on all stakeholders to uphold the principles of integrity and collaboration.
Source : https://x.com/onduhungirehe/status/1868446073884397607
