Representing Rwanda at an Extraordinary Summit on the security situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), held at Uganda’s State House in Entebbe and chaired by President Yoweri Museveni, Interior Minister Vincent Biruta emphasised the need for coordinated action under established frameworks.
“Rwanda believes the Doha and Washington frameworks remain the most credible pathways to lasting peace in the region,” Biruta said, urging all actors to honour prior commitments rather than creating new mechanisms that could slow progress.
A key concern highlighted was the continued presence of the FDLR, a militia group made up of remnants of the perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, collaborating with DRC forces.
“The neutralisation of this force is important for regional security,” Biruta said.
The Washington Accord, signed on December 4 by Presidents Kagame, Félix Tshisekedi, and U.S. President Donald Trump, formalised a June agreement calling for the neutralisation of the FDLR, which Kigali maintains poses a security threat to Rwanda.
On the other hand, the Doha process brings together the Kinshasa administration and the AFC/M23 group for dialogue. Earlier this year, the group expanded its control in eastern DRC, capturing the cities of Goma and Bukavu. The M23 accuses the Congolese government of marginalising Kinyarwanda-speaking communities and of poor governance.
The Doha process has been hampered by ceasefire violations, resulting in renewed violence.
In his address, Minister Biruta urged operationalisation of the ceasefire monitoring mechanism, noting that the humanitarian situation in eastern DRC reflects gaps in the implementation of previous agreements.
“Rwanda stands ready and fully committed to playing its part and calls upon all parties involved to honour and implement the agreements they have signed in the interest of lasting peace and stability in our region,” the minister stated.
The summit brought together regional leaders and representatives to discuss coordinated approaches to ending violence and promoting stability in eastern DRC, with Rwanda emphasising political will and genuine commitment as critical to sustainable peace.
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