Speaking to members of the Congolese community in Egypt, Tshisekedi said Kagame’s actions and rhetoric reflect “hegemonic intentions” aimed at controlling eastern Congo, where violence between armed groups continues to escalate.
He recalled that Rwanda failed to attend a peace summit in Luanda in December 2024, which he said could have advanced regional stability. “His goal is to divide our country and occupy the east, which is full of resources,” Tshisekedi said.
While Kigali has not responded to the latest claims, Tshisekedi emphasized that Kinshasa remains committed to diplomacy. He said peace negotiations between the Congolese government and the M23 rebel group, mediated by Qatar, are expected to resume this week in Doha, followed by a possible meeting with Kagame in Washington to formalize two separate agreements.
The United Nations and Congolese authorities have long accused Rwanda of backing the M23 rebels, a charge Rwanda denies. Despite multiple ceasefire deals, clashes continue in eastern Congo, displacing thousands and worsening humanitarian conditions.