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Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi has expressed his willingness to continue dialogue to resolve the crisis in the eastern part of the country.
However, he made it clear that the M23 rebel group, which Kinshasa labels a terrorist organization, will not be included in any talks. His remarks came shortly after Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame suggested that efforts to engage in dialogue had broken down.
In a speech to the diplomatic community in Kinshasa, Tshisekedi confirmed that the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) would remain involved in peace talks, despite the numerous challenges that have emerged. These talks are part of the broader Luanda Process, which was initiated with the aim of bringing peace to the volatile region of eastern DRC. The mediation effort is supported by the African Union and led by Angolan President João Lourenço.
The two leaders have been at odds over the role of the M23, a rebel group that has been wreaking havoc in the provinces of North and South Kivu, as well as Ituri. The DRC government accuses Rwanda of supporting the M23, a claim that Rwanda strongly denies. Tshisekedi pointed to the devastating toll the group has taken on civilians, with over 650 people killed in rebel attacks in 2024 alone. Thousands of others have been forced to flee their homes, seeking refuge in overcrowded camps.
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Despite the challenges, Tshisekedi emphasized his government’s commitment to peace. He underscored that the Luanda Process remains a crucial opportunity for the country, even though obstacles persist. “We will continue to pursue it with determination and clear-headed realism,” Tshisekedi said, referring to the peace talks.
However, the president firmly rejected any notion of negotiating with the M23, a position that stands in contrast to Rwanda’s stance. Kagame has called for talks that include the rebel group, but Tshisekedi has made it clear that he will not compromise on this issue. “Dialogue with a terrorist group like the M23 is a red line that we will never cross,” he said, highlighting his government’s resolve in maintaining its principles.
