Rwanda’s Foreign Minister, Amb. Olivier Nduhungirehe, expressed concerns about DRC’s lack of political will and good faith in ongoing peace negotiations amid reports of military escalations and inflammatory rhetoric from DRC officials, which threatens the Luanda Process to restore stability in Eastern DRC.
The ongoing peace negotiations between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) are in jeopardy due to the perceived lack of political will and good faith from DRC. This concern was articulated by Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Olivier Nduhungirehe, following a recent virtual meeting with DRC officials after the adoption of the Concept of Operations (CONOPS) aimed at addressing the long-standing conflicts in Eastern DRC.
Nduhungirehe emphasized that despite Rwanda’s commitment to the Luanda process, the DRC’s actions suggest otherwise. He pointed out the DRC’s militarization activities and reported attacks against M23 positions, which contradict the agreements reached during their discussions. He noted, “Although we have adopted the CONOPS, Rwanda expressed its concerns during that meeting about the lack of political will and good faith by the DRC in implementing this agreement signed under the water process.” Furthermore, escalating hate speech from DRC officials adds to the tensions, exemplified by inflammatory remarks from DRC’s Justice Minister, Constant Mutamba, which have heightened hostilities.
While a subsequent virtual meeting was held to continue discussions on the draft agreement for peace, the undercurrent of mistrust looms large. Nduhungirehe reiterated that the hostile rhetoric and military maneuvers by DRC undermine the peace process, making it imperative to find a comprehensive political solution to the crisis in Eastern DRC, which has plagued the region for decades.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo has been grappling with internal conflicts, particularly in its Eastern region, for years, influenced by historical issues and inter-state relations particularly with neighboring Rwanda. The recent Luanda Process was initiated to foster dialogue and restore stability between Rwanda and DRC following a series of conflicts involving various militia groups. The discussions aim to address major security threats, including the presence of the FDLR militia and the M23 movement, while promoting peaceful relations between these two countries. However, concerns over mutual trust and political sincerity have surfaced, potentially derailing the fragile peace efforts.
The recent developments surrounding the peace negotiations between Rwanda and the DRC underscore the critical need for mutual commitment to goodwill and political resolve. As articulated by Minister Nduhungirehe, the DRC’s failure to exhibit such political will and good faith, particularly amid continued military advancements and divisive rhetoric, poses a significant risk to the stability and peace processes in the region. Without sincere collaboration and trust-building measures, the prospect of lasting peace remains precarious.
Original Source: www.ktpress.rw
