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Kagame Questions Congo Peace Deal Amid UN Report
Rwanda’s Kagame doubts peace deal with Congo as a UN report accuses Kigali of aiding M23 rebels. Rwanda denies rebel support claims.
Rwandan President Paul Kagame has cast doubt on the recently signed U.S.-brokered peace agreement with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), raising concerns over the deal’s viability and fairness.
The agreement, signed in Washington on June 27, 2025, commits Rwanda to withdraw any military forces from the DRC within 90 days. But Kagame, speaking at a press briefing in Kigali, warned of “tricks” by regional players and insisted that Rwanda’s national security must not be compromised.
“We’ve seen similar promises before. What we need is actual peace, not more paper,” Kagame said.
Kagame’s remarks come as a confidential UN report alleges Rwanda has been offering command and control support to the M23 rebel group active in eastern DRC.
According to the report, submitted to the UN Security Council’s Sanctions Committee, Rwanda allegedly:
- Deployed troops in M23-held areas
- Provided logistical and weapons support
- Coordinated military actions with M23 commanders
These findings, first revealed by Reuters and later confirmed by Al Jazeera, have intensified scrutiny of Kigali’s role in the regional conflict.
Rwanda has strongly denied the claims, calling them “false and politically driven.” Officials argue that their actions are defensive in nature, aimed at curbing threats from the FDLR, a militia with links to the 1994 genocide.
“Rwanda has no interest in destabilizing the DRC. We act only in defense of our borders and citizens,” said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement.
Kagame echoed that stance, warning against attempts to blame Rwanda for broader regional instability.
This double development—Kagame’s skepticism and the UN report—adds new friction to already tense relations between Kigali and Kinshasa. Over 7 million people remain displaced in eastern Congo, where multiple armed groups operate with limited oversight.
Although the peace deal calls for international monitoring of troop withdrawals, experts worry that lingering distrust and mutual accusations may undermine its implementation.
- UN Council Action: The Security Council could consider sanctions or investigations.
- Peace Deal Monitoring: Will Rwanda comply with the 90-day withdrawal plan?
- Regional Mediation: Angola and the African Union are under pressure to keep both parties engaged.