DR Congo president accuses Rwanda of seeking to partition country
DR Congo President Felix Tshisekedi has accused Rwandan leader Paul Kagame of pursuing a strategy to divide and annex his nation's resource-rich eastern territories. The allegations came during a speech to the Congolese community in Egypt, where Tshisekedi detailed what he described as Rwanda's belligerent intentions despite ongoing regional peace processes.
Democratic Republic of Congo President Felix Tshisekedi has leveled serious allegations against neighboring Rwanda, accusing President Paul Kagame of seeking to partition his country and annex its mineral-rich eastern regions. The Congolese leader made these statements during an address to the Congolese community in Egypt, asserting that Rwanda's ultimate objective involves dividing the vast Central African nation to control its substantial natural resources.
Alleged Expansionist Agenda
President Tshisekedi characterized Rwanda's intentions as "belligerent and hegemonic," specifically claiming that Kagame aims to "occupy, or even annex, the eastern part" of DR Congo. The eastern provinces contain significant deposits of valuable minerals including gold, coltan, and cobalt, making them economically strategic territories. These accusations emerge amid ongoing conflict between Congolese government forces and M23 rebels, whom Kinshasa alleges receive substantial support from Rwanda.
Failed Peace Initiatives
The Congolese president revealed that a potential peace agreement between the two nations failed to materialize in December 2024 when Kagame declined to attend a scheduled summit in Angola's capital, Luanda. Despite this setback, Tshisekedi emphasized that his government remains committed to diplomatic solutions, noting successful efforts to build international consensus for sanctioning Rwanda over its alleged involvement in the Congo conflict.
Ongoing Mediation Efforts
Two parallel peace processes continue through international mediation, with Qatar facilitating talks between the Congolese government and M23 rebels in Doha, while Washington mediates between Rwanda and DR Congo. Tshisekedi confirmed that the Doha negotiations are scheduled to resume this week, with a subsequent planned meeting in Washington intended to ratify agreements from both tracks. However, fighting persists in eastern Congo despite a July ceasefire agreement signed in Doha, with both government forces and rebels accusing each other of violations.
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