Planned Meeting Between Rwanda and DRC Presidents Canceled Amid Ongoing Conflict

A highly anticipated meeting between the presidents of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in Angola was canceled on Sunday, undermining hopes for a breakthrough in resolving the M23 insurgency that has displaced over 1.9 million people. The collapse of the meeting reflects deep-seated tensions between the neighboring countries, whose relationship has been strained by decades of conflict, mutual accusations, and regional instability.

The event was intended to facilitate rare direct talks between Rwandan President Paul Kagame and his Congolese counterpart Félix Tshisekedi, as part of ongoing negotiations in Angola to address the crisis in eastern Congo. Expectations for the signing of a peace agreement had raised hopes for progress, but disagreements derailed the process.

Reasons for the Cancellation

Congo’s presidency attributed the cancellation to Rwanda’s refusal to participate unless Congo agreed to hold direct talks with the M23 rebels—a condition Congo rejected. Meanwhile, Rwanda’s foreign ministry argued that the lack of consensus made signing the agreement impractical, suggesting that Congo needed more time to engage directly with the rebel group.

The proposed peace plan called for Rwanda to dismantle its "defensive measures" in the conflict in exchange for Congo eliminating the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a Hutu rebel group linked to the 1994 Rwandan Genocide.

A History of Tensions and Conflict

The animosity between Rwanda and the DRC stems from historical, ethnic, and geopolitical complexities, many of which date back to the 1994 Rwandan Genocide. After the genocide, which claimed the lives of an estimated 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus, Hutu extremists fled to eastern Congo, forming militant groups like the FDLR. These groups have remained a security threat to Rwanda and are accused of conducting cross-border attacks.

Rwanda has repeatedly accused the DRC of harboring and supporting the FDLR, while Congo accuses Rwanda of backing the M23 rebel group. M23, primarily composed of Congolese Tutsis, claims to defend the interests of Tutsi communities in eastern Congo but has been accused of war crimes, including the displacement of civilians.

Major Incidents Escalating Tensions

First and Second Congo Wars (1996–2003)

Rwanda played a significant role in the Congo Wars, which led to the overthrow of DRC’s long-time dictator Mobutu Sese Seko and later plunged the country into widespread chaos. The wars involved multiple African nations and militias, resulting in millions of deaths, largely from conflict-related hunger and disease. Rwanda's involvement in these wars strained its relationship with Congo and fueled mistrust.

M23 Insurgency (2012–2013)

The first M23 rebellion saw the group capture large parts of North Kivu province before being defeated by Congolese and U.N. forces. Rwanda was accused of supporting M23 with troops and weapons, an allegation it denied but which led to sanctions and international condemnation.

Current M23 Resurgence (2021–Present)
Since the group re-emerged in 2021, fighting has intensified in North Kivu province, with M23 capturing significant territory, including the strategic town of Bunagana. U.N. experts reported earlier this year that 3,000–4,000 Rwandan troops were in Congo with “de facto control” over M23 operations. Rwanda denies these allegations, insisting its actions are defensive.

Border Skirmishes (2022)

In 2022, cross-border clashes between the Rwandan and Congolese militaries further exacerbated tensions. Both countries accused each other of provocation, with Congo expelling Rwanda’s ambassador at the height of the crisis. 

International Involvement and Regional Implications

The conflict has drawn significant international attention, with calls for greater pressure on Rwanda to de-escalate. Congo, the United Nations, and human rights organizations have accused Rwanda of fueling the rebellion, while Rwanda accuses the DRC of collaborating with the FDLR.

“There's very little international pressure on Rwanda, especially as the United States, which has led diplomatic efforts, is facing its own political transitions,” said Jason Stearns, a Congo expert at Simon Fraser University.

The deteriorating relationship between the two countries risks destabilizing the broader Great Lakes region, reviving fears of a conflict similar to the Congo Wars that devastated the region from 1996 to 2003.

The failure of Sunday’s meeting underscores the challenges in resolving the M23 crisis and the deep-rooted mistrust between Rwanda and the DRC. While diplomatic efforts continue, the situation in eastern Congo remains volatile, with millions of civilians bearing the brunt of the prolonged conflict.