MWE Correspondent
Rwandan President Paul Kagame has publicly accused the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) of intentionally delaying the signing of a peace agreement designed to end persistent unrest in the eastern provinces of the country.
Speaking to journalists in Kigali, Kagame stressed that the framework for peace has been agreed upon for months, but the formal signing remains stalled.
The latest peace efforts follow two rounds of mediation. The first, in June, was facilitated by the United States, while the second was brokered by Qatar between the M23 rebel movement and the Congolese government in Kinshasa. Both rounds were intended to address long-standing grievances, reduce armed clashes, and create a roadmap for political and social stability in the volatile North Kivu and South Kivu provinces.
President Kagame stated that the root causes of the conflict are clear and well-understood by all parties. However, he expressed frustration over what he described as deliberate delays by Kinshasa authorities, warning that further procrastination could undermine regional security and erode trust among neighboring countries. “All parties are aware of the terms and conditions of the agreement,” he said. “What is required now is commitment and action, not continued delay.”
The M23 rebels, who have been active in eastern DRC for several years, were at the center of both rounds of mediation. The group agreed to certain terms with support from international partners, and Kigali has repeatedly urged the DRC government to adhere to these commitments. Analysts warn that any further delay in the formalization of the agreement risks renewed violence along the Rwanda-DRC border, potentially affecting civilian populations and regional trade routes.
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Regional organizations and international actors, including the African Union and the United Nations, continue to monitor developments closely. They have emphasized that successful implementation of the peace deal is critical to stabilizing the Great Lakes region, where a history of conflicts has repeatedly displaced communities and disrupted economic activity.
Observers note that the postponement could also affect humanitarian efforts, as aid agencies have faced difficulties accessing conflict-affected areas due to ongoing insecurity. A timely signing and implementation of the agreement would not only improve security but also allow for the return of displaced populations and reconstruction of local infrastructure.
President Kagame concluded by reaffirming Rwanda’s commitment to a peaceful resolution, urging the DRC government to act swiftly and honor the terms of the agreement. “Peace is achievable,” he said, “but it requires all parties to demonstrate responsibility, transparency, and urgency.”
