He was speaking on RBA’s Inkuru mu Makuru program where he analyzed the resolutions from the February 8, 2025, summit in Tanzania, that brought together leaders from the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to address the conflict in eastern DRC.
One of the key resolutions from the summit was to restart direct negotiations between the Congolese government and various armed groups, particularly M23.
Despite this resolution, President Tshisekedi has repeatedly stated that he will not negotiate with M23, which he labels a terrorist organization.
When asked whether Tshisekedi might reconsider, Senator Uwizeyimana asserted that refusing to negotiate would lead to the collapse of his forces, warning that “they will be marched all the way to Kinshasa.”
“There are two options: either you negotiate and find a solution, or you face the consequences of firepower. And right now, on the battlefield, the advantage is not on his side,” he added.
Uwizeyimana emphasized that the next step is to determine whether the agreements will be implemented, especially since both EAC and SADC have acknowledged that negotiations are the best way forward.
However, he raised concerns about Burundi deploying more troops to eastern DRC, suggesting that this could hinder efforts to enforce the peace resolutions.
Rwandan EAC Parliament member, Ambassador Fatuma Ndangiza, also participated in the discussion and described the summit’s resolutions as a positive step toward resolving insecurity in eastern DRC.
She warned that if Tshisekedi remains defiant, his country could face fragmentation, or his government could be overthrown by Congolese citizens fighting for their rights.
“There are many historical examples. Take South Sudan, for instance. It fought a 50-year war to gain independence from Sudan, which had denied them citizenship and imposed discriminatory policies based on race and religion. Despite Sudan’s military power, South Sudan eventually won its sovereignty,” she explained.
Ndangiza also drew parallels with Rwanda’s history, recalling how the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) waged a liberation war after the Habyarimana regime refused to recognize the rights of Rwandan refugees.
“When people fight for their rights, it may take time, but they ultimately prevail,” she said.
Ndangiza urged Tshisekedi to embrace dialogue with M23, arguing that military force alone cannot resolve the conflict.
“You can suppress them today, but because they are fighting for a cause, their children and grandchildren will continue the struggle. Tshisekedi’s best option is to seek peace and resolve the issue through negotiations,” she concluded.
Ndangiza noted that agreeing to talks with M23 and implementing the agreement could lead to lasting peace.
Speaking in an interview with Kenya’s NTV on Saturday, February 8, 2025, Makolo addressed the ongoing insecurity in eastern DRC and the repeated accusations that Rwanda is backing M23.
She reiterated that Rwanda’s focus is on strengthening its own security and not interfering in the internal affairs of its neighbor.
She maintained that the conflict in eastern DRC is a Congolese issue that must be resolved internally. She also pointed out that Rwanda is directly affected by the instability across the border, making security a top priority.
During the interview, NTV journalist Michelle Ngele Odhiambo questioned Makolo about M23’s growing military strength, noting that the rebel group has continued to gain ground, including the strategic city of Goma.
She referenced analysts who argue that the scale of M23’s operations suggests external support and further mentioned President Paul Kagame’s recent visit to Turkey, where Rwanda reportedly acquired new military equipment.
There have been claims that some of these weapons found their way into M23’s hands, a suggestion she put forward to Makolo for clarification.
In response, Makolo firmly stated that Rwanda, like any sovereign nation, has the right to develop its military to safeguard national security. She dismissed the notion that Rwanda’s defense investments were meant for anything other than protecting its own borders and people.
“Every country, including Kenya and the DRC, buys weapons from different suppliers. It is every nation’s right to protect its security and build its military. This is not a matter for debate,” she said.
She went on to explain that the weapons in M23’s possession were largely obtained from the Congolese army itself. According to Makolo, each time M23 defeats the Congolese forces in battle, they leave behind significant amounts of military equipment, which the rebel group then uses.
“The primary supplier of weapons to M23 is the Congolese military itself. Every time they engage in battle with M23 and lose, they leave behind large quantities of weapons and equipment. That is how M23 has been able to amass weapons,” she explained.
Makolo reiterated that Rwanda’s primary concern is its own national security, not M23’s activities.
“We are not preoccupied with M23. They are fighting their own battle for their survival and their right to live on their land in peace, without discrimination or ethnically motivated killings,” she said.
“Our concern is the safety of Rwandans and ensuring that our borders remain secure from the Congolese army, the FDLR, or the over 200 armed groups operating in eastern DRC.”
Her remarks come as M23 continues to advance, raising concerns about their next possible target, including Bukavu in South Kivu.
In response to the growing crisis, leaders from the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) recently met in Tanzania.
The summit called for an immediate ceasefire and urged a peaceful resolution through dialogue between the DRC government and all stakeholders, including M23.
Speaking at the EAC-SADC joint summit held in Tanzania on Feb 8, 2025, Kagame stressed the need for a lasting solution, pointing out that Rwanda’s concerns have been dismissed.
“We can’t go on forever massaging problems. What is happening there is an ethnic war that has been brewing for a long time, denying people’s rights and then attacking Rwanda,” Kagame stated.
He made it clear that Rwanda cannot be expected to remain silent while facing security threats emanating from DRC.
Kagame criticized the approach taken by DRC’s leadership, stating that despite numerous engagements, Kigali’s concerns have not been addressed.
“We have been begging DRC and its leaders for a long time, we have shared our issues and asked DRC to address them, and they have refused,” he said.
Kagame argued that the crisis is not of Rwanda’s making but has instead been imposed on the country, with DRC shifting responsibility.
The joint EAC-SADC summit, that was preceded by a ministerial meeting, sought to assess the deteriorating security situation in eastern DRC.
“This war was started by DRC and not anything from Rwanda. It was just brought and put on our shoulders and we were told to own it. We can’t own it. There is no question about it,” he said.
Kagame urged the participants to take the matter seriously and ensure that the meeting leads to actionable solutions rather than becoming another in a series of unproductive discussions.
The summit follows recent escalations, including the capture of Goma by the M23 rebel group. M23 resumed fighting in 2021, citing the protection of Rwandophones and Congolese Tutsi communities.
President Tshisekedi, despite earlier confirmations, did not travel to Tanzania and instead attended the summit virtually.
Tshisekedi has repeatedly been urged to engage in dialogue through various processes but has remained reluctant to negotiate with M23, despite his army suffering continuous setbacks.
The Congolese government has also accused Rwanda of backing the rebels, an allegation Kigali strongly denies.
Instead, Rwanda has accused the DRC of working with the FDLR, a militia composed of individuals responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Reports suggest indicate that Burundian and SADC forces have joined the coalition supporting the Congolese army, even as Kinshasa has issued threats to invade Rwanda.
The summit also comes at a time when SADC countries, particularly South Africa, are facing scrutiny over their controversial involvement in the DRC conflict, with their troops suffering casualties during offensives against M23.
The EAC-SADC Joint Summit, called for a peaceful resolution to the DRC conflict and directed the merger of the Luanda and Nairobi processes.
To strengthen the merged process, the summit emphasized appointing additional facilitators from across Africa. It also urged the resumption of direct negotiations with all state and non-state actors, including M23, under this framework.
Additionally, the summit called for the implementation of the Concept of Operations (CONOPS) of the harmonized plan for neutralization of FDLR as agreed in the Luanda process.
As a pivotal figure in Rwanda’s political transformation, Gasamagera shared his perspectives on how the RPF has led the country through significant progress, its ongoing commitment to unity and progress, and the future direction that the party intends to take in shaping Rwanda’s growth.
{{Leadership as the cornerstone of national development}}
During the interview, Gasamagera explained that the RPF’s leadership philosophy is fundamentally tied to the principles of resilience, unity, and clear strategic direction.
“Under President Paul Kagame’s guidance, the RPF has transformed Rwanda from a post-genocide society into one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies,” he said.
According to him, the party’s vision revolves around leadership that not only holds power but also inspires collaboration and ensures that every Rwandan has a stake in the country’s success.
Reflecting on the party’s role in uniting a divided nation, Gasamagera noted that leadership within the RPF is about more than governance. It’s about healing historical wounds and building a foundation of trust and cooperation among all citizens.
He highlighted that the RPF’s success in Rwanda is rooted in its leadership’s ability to prioritize inclusivity, good governance, and sustainable development. For him, leadership should empower citizens and contribute to a society where everyone can thrive.
As Secretary-General, Gasamagera plays a pivotal role in maintaining the RPF’s values and reinforcing its commitment to social justice, economic opportunity, and national stability. His leadership focuses on ensuring that these values continue to guide the party as it looks ahead to a future of continued progress.
{{The RPF’s vision for the future}}
Looking to the future, Gasamagera spoke with great optimism about Rwanda’s continued progress and the RPF’s role in fostering long-term national development.
He emphasized that Rwanda’s future growth will rely heavily on sectors such as technology, agriculture, and tourism, areas that are already central to the party’s strategic focus.
Gasamagera is particularly passionate about Rwanda’s goal of becoming a regional technology hub, noting that the country’s digital transformation is a crucial pillar of the RPF’s vision. According to him, technological innovation will play a key role in Rwanda’s economic diversification, which is essential for sustainable growth.
The RPF is already investing in digital infrastructure and creating an environment conducive to innovation and entrepreneurship, which Gasamagera sees as essential for Rwanda’s competitiveness on the global stage.
Furthermore, Gasamagera underscored the RPF’s commitment to fostering an inclusive society where all citizens have access to education, healthcare, and opportunities for upward mobility.
The party’s policies, continue to reflect a dedication to reducing inequality and empowering marginalized communities, ensuring that every Rwandan benefits from the nation’s progress is at the core of the party’s long-term vision.
{{A legacy of unity and progress}}
Gasamagera conveyed a deep sense of responsibility for the RPF’s legacy and the future of leadership within the party. He emphasized the importance of nurturing new leaders who are aligned with the RPF’s core values and who are committed to building on the achievements of the past.
The success of the RPF, he noted, is not solely attributed to the party’s historical leadership but to its ability to evolve and adapt to the changing needs of the nation.
In his view, the future of leadership within the RPF lies in ensuring that the party remains relevant, transparent, and accountable while maintaining its focus on national unity and sustainable development. He believes that fostering a new generation of leaders who embrace these principles will ensure the continuity of the party’s vision for Rwanda’s future.
Gasamagera also spoke about the importance of leadership in maintaining Rwanda’s social cohesion. He believes that the RPF’s continued success will depend on how well the party can preserve the unity achieved since the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi while navigating the challenges that come with rapid modernization and global interconnectedness.
As the RPF’s Secretary-General, Gasamagera works tirelessly to maintain this balance and ensure that the party remains focused on its core mission of promoting peace, prosperity, and unity. His insights into the RPF’s leadership and vision for Rwanda’s future offer a compelling picture of the party’s unwavering commitment to the nation’s development.
He makes it clear that leadership is the driving force behind Rwanda’s achievements and future growth. As the Secretary-General of the RPF, his focus remains on ensuring that the party stays true to its founding principles while adapting to new challenges and opportunities in an ever-changing world.
The RPF’s legacy, as envisioned is one of sustained unity and progress. A political party that has guided Rwanda from recovery to prosperity and remains dedicated to shaping a brighter, more inclusive future.
During the interview, the Rwandan President strongly rejected claims that Rwanda was fueling the conflict in the mineral-rich region by supporting the M23 rebel group, which recently captured the city of Goma. He reiterated that the M23 rebels are not Rwandans but Congolese nationals fighting for their rights.
The President dismissed claims that Rwanda exploits minerals from the DRC, an allegation frequently made by Congolese authorities and echoed in some international reports. He denied the claims and stated that South Africa and European countries are the primary beneficiaries of DRC’s vast mineral resources.
Regarding the presence of Southern African Development Community (SADC) troops in the DRC, President Kagame dismissed suggestions that their mission was primarily focused on peacekeeping. He accused South Africa of deploying troops to secure the region’s mineral wealth rather than fostering peace.
In response to the edited excerpts aired by CNN, the President’s Press Secretary, Stephanie Nyombayire, pointed out that several crucial elements of the interview had been omitted to fit a “predictable editorial line.”
She detailed that during the interview, President Kagame spoke about the threat posed by FDLR, a group associated with rebel forces in the region and composed of remnants of the perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. He stated that the group is supported by governments in the area, despite posing a security threat to Rwanda.
He maintained that Rwanda would do everything to protect itself against such security threats.
“Their goal is not just to fight M23, but to fight Rwanda and overthrow its government, as they have publicly declared. Does anyone think Rwanda will simply sit back and allow that to happen? We will defend ourselves in any form necessary. There is no doubt about it,” he stated.
On the principle of national sovereignty, the President emphasized, “I believe in the respect of sovereignty for all countries, including Rwanda. There is no sovereignty more important than another. This is the basic principle.”
Reflecting on the broader international community’s role, he noted, “The very same international community blaming Rwanda is the one that has allowed the FDLR to operate in Congo for 30 years. After decades and nearly $40 billion spent, what stability has been achieved? Blaming Rwanda is simply a way to cover up the mess the international community has caused in our region.”
The President also criticized how others were framing the insecurity issue, saying, “The problem is simple to understand, but people complicate it to avoid taking action. Even the most uninformed person could grasp the situation after 30 years.”
According to President Kagame, the conflict in the eastern DRC has been exacerbated by external forces working with President Felix Tshisekedi.
“I don’t believe anyone, including President Tshisekedi, wants war. However, he has been encouraged by others to fight wars on his behalf. If those external forces weren’t involved, perhaps he would see reason and prioritize peace,” he added.
“I am focused on protecting my country and managing national affairs to ensure peace. Meanwhile, Tshisekedi is obsessed with humiliation and his own ego. You cannot run a country or resolve regional issues based solely on ego.”
Finally, he emphasized the importance of Rwanda’s self-reliance: “For Rwanda, our priority is clear: we must protect ourselves. We know from history, particularly from 1994, that no one will come to our aid. That’s why we have invested heavily in our security and defence, and the results speak for themselves.”
For the first time in years, residents of Goma are sleeping peacefully, moving freely at night, and resuming daily activities as usual without fear.
Anastasie, a mother who has lived in Goma for over four years, shared her surprise at the newfound sense of security. “I never imagined M23 fighters were good people, that they serve God. In all my years in Goma’s refugee camps, this is the first time I have spent a night without fear,” she told IGIHE.
Over the weekend, IGIHE toured various parts of the city, from the La Corniche border with Rwanda to Bilele, the Governor’s Office, and Quartiers Les Volcans. While remnants of war were still visible, businesses had largely resumed.
One of the key battlegrounds was Mont Goma, where government troops made their last stand. On Tuesday, FARDC and Wazalendo militia held onto Camp Katindo, a major military base in the city center. By the weekend, however, M23 had taken full control.
At the entrance to the camp, as in most of Goma, M23 forces were stationed, ensuring security. Burned-out military trucks and abandoned ammunition provided evidence of the fierce battles that had taken place.
Stade de l’Unité, one of the city’s largest stadiums, also saw combat. While bullet holes marked the walls, there were few other visible signs of the battle.
M23 fighters are now present throughout the city, including on the road to Goma International Airport. In Bilele, they walked freely through the market, greeted by residents who waved at them, a stark contrast to the fear that once gripped the population.
At UN peacekeeping bases hosting troops from Uruguay and Senegal, operations continued as usual.
Sources indicate that at least 2,100 Congolese soldiers sought refuge with MONUSCO as the fighting escalated. Their fate remains uncertain, whether they will surrender to M23, flee, or attempt to regroup.
Close to the airport, Red Cross workers were seen assessing the area trying to locate any dead bodies, as the site had witnessed heavy clashes between M23 and government forces.
Goma International Airport is currently non-operational, with M23 fully in control. Civilians passing by engaged in casual conversations with the rebels, showing no signs of fear or resistance.
Goma, a city of two million people spread across 75.72 square kilometers, is slowly returning to normal. The local economy, reliant on small-scale trade, fishing, and mineral extraction, is resuming operations under the new administration.
M23 leaders have declared that their advance will not stop in Goma. They have vowed to continue their push toward Kinshasa, aiming to overthrow President Félix Tshisekedi’s government, which they accuse of oppressing civilians, particularly Congolese Tutsis, many of whom have been forced to seek refuge in neighboring countries like Rwanda and Uganda.
However, a few days ago, operating under the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC), the M23 rebel group announced a unilateral ceasefire citing humanitarian concerns amid the escalating conflict in eastern DRC.
In an interview with IGIHE, Minister Nduhungirehe addressed statements from a recent SADC extraordinary summit, where the bloc alleged that RDF troops were operating in DRC’s North Kivu province and attacking Congolese forces, SADC troops under SAMIDRC, and civilians.
“There were statements in the SADC meeting that are completely unacceptable—blatant lies claiming that RDF is in DRC and responsible for civilian deaths,” Nduhungirehe stated.
He pointed out that these accusations follow similar unfounded claims by South Africa’s government, particularly from its Minister of Defence. Nduhungirehe linked the SADC allegations to recent tensions between Rwanda and South Africa, which he attributed to certain South African officials.
“The root of this issue is some South African leaders, particularly their Minister of Defence. However, Presidents Kagame and Ramaphosa had two productive discussions last week, agreeing that a ceasefire is needed and that DRC must engage in dialogue with M23.”
During their talks, President Ramaphosa reportedly acknowledged that South African soldiers killed in a recent clash were attacked by DRC’s army (FARDC), not M23 or RDF.
Additionally, Nduhungirehe revealed that Ramaphosa requested Rwanda to allow SADC troops access to water, electricity, and food, a request President Kagame agreed to facilitate.
However, the situation escalated after South Africa’s Defence and Foreign Ministers falsely claimed that Ramaphosa had given Kagame an ultimatum, leading to a response from both Nduhungirehe and Kagame.
“I responded on X, correcting the false claims that RDF had been warned. The truth is, SAMIDRC troops are not peacekeepers—they are fighting alongside FARDC, FDLR, and mercenaries.”
Rwanda maintains that SADC troops were deployed to fight alongside the Congolese army, rather than to restore peace, as they claim. Kigali has also accused DRC’s government of collaborating with FDLR, Burundian forces, and European mercenaries in planning attacks against Rwanda.
“Recent intelligence from Goma confirms that the military buildup in Eastern DRC was not just aimed at fighting M23, but at launching an attack on Rwanda,” the Rwandan government stated.
While Kigali insists RDF will not attack civilians, it has made it clear that its forces will defend Rwanda’s borders and protect its citizens from any cross-border threats.
Meanwhile, discussions between EAC and SADC leaders have been proposed to de-escalate tensions and find a regional solution. Rwanda has indicated its willingness to engage diplomatically, but remains firm in rejecting what it calls “baseless accusations”.
Kagame made these clarifications after observing that South African officials and President Ramaphosa himself had distorted the content of their recent conversations in the media.
“I held two conversations this week with President Ramaphosa on the situation in Eastern DRC, including earlier today. What has been said about these conversations in the media by South African officials and President Ramaphosa himself contains a lot of distortion, deliberate attacks, and even lies,” Kagame responded on his X account to a message posted by Ramaphosa.
“If words can change so much from a conversation to a public statement, it says a lot about how these very important issues are being managed,” he added.
{{South Africa’s deployment in DRC }}
South African troops have been fighting in the DRC as part of the Southern African Development Community Mission in DRC (SAMIDRC), supporting the Congolese Army and its allied militias, including Wazalendo, the FDLR genocidal force, Burundian troops, and mercenaries, in the war against the M23 rebel group, which claims to be fighting for the rights of the marginalised Tutsi community in the country.
The coalition was formed amidst Kinshasa’s statements threatening to support whoever intends to overthrow Kigali’s leadership.
During the fighting, South African soldiers were among the casualties, intensifying criticism over the country’s contested involvement in eastern DRC.
Following recent discussions between Kagame and Ramaphosa, South African Minister of Defence Angie Motshekga revealed that President Cyril Ramaphosa had issued a warning to Rwandan forces, stating that continued hostilities against the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) in the DRC would be considered a declaration of war.
“It is just that at the moment when they were firing above our heads, the president did warn them to say, ‘If you are going to fire, we will take it as a declaration of war, and we will have to defend our people,’ and that’s when the firing stopped,” Motshekga said.
The DRC accuses Rwanda of backing M23, an allegation Kigali has consistently refuted, instead urging Kinshasa to resolve its internal issues without dragging a neighbouring country into its crisis.
In a message shared on his X account, Ramaphosa—who did not contest the ‘warning’ attributed to him by Motshekga—confirmed that his country had lost 13 soldiers in the volatile region.
He attributed the escalation of violence to the M23 rebel group and what he referred to as the “Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) militia.”
He framed South Africa’s military engagement under the Southern African Development Community Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC) as a peacekeeping effort aimed at stabilizing the region.
However, in his response, Kagame dismissed these claims, asserting that ‘the RDF is an army, not a militia’.
He further criticized SAMIDRC’s role in the conflict, stating, “SAMIDRC is not a peacekeeping force, and it has no place in this situation. It was authorized by SADC as a belligerent force engaging in offensive combat operations to help the DRC Government fight against its own people, working alongside genocidal armed groups like FDLR which target Rwanda.”
Kagame also highlighted how SAMIDRC’s deployment displaced the East African Community Regional Force (EACRF), which had been engaged in peacekeeping efforts. “This contributed to the failure of the negotiation processes,” he noted, challenging the notion that the SADC force was fostering peace.
{{Distorted truth}}
One of the key points Kagame refuted was Ramaphosa’s alleged “warning” to Rwanda regarding its role in the conflict.
“President Ramaphosa has never given a ‘warning’ of any kind, unless it was delivered in his local language which I do not understand,” Kagame remarked, dismissing any suggestion of a formal reprimand.
Furthermore, Kagame revealed a crucial detail from his conversations with Ramaphosa that contradicts the official South African stance: “President Ramaphosa confirmed to me that M23 did not kill the soldiers from South Africa, FARDC did.”
This statement directly challenges South Africa’s claim that its troops were targeted by M23 and raises questions about the accuracy of Ramaphosa’s public declarations.
While Ramaphosa portrayed South Africa’s military presence in the DRC as a stabilizing force, Kagame argued that South Africa is in no position to act as a mediator.
“If South Africa wants to contribute to peaceful solutions, that is well and good, but South Africa is in no position to take on the role of a peacemaker or mediator,” he stated.
Kagame also made it clear that if South Africa seeks confrontation rather than diplomacy, Rwanda is prepared to respond accordingly: “And if South Africa prefers confrontation, Rwanda will deal with the matter in that context any day.”
The war in eastern DRC has been exacerbated by the presence of multiple armed groups, historical grievances, and geopolitical interests.
Rwanda has long accused the DRC government of working with the FDLR, a militia composed of remnants of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
After the resurgence of M23 in 2022, the rebel group has since captured different key towns, including the recently captured Goma, considered the capital of North Kivu Province.
The recent fighting has led to the evacuation of UN staff through Rwanda. Additionally, some Congolese soldiers fled to Rwanda, and over 280 mercenaries fighting alongside the Congolese Army surrendered.
On Tuesday, January 29, 2025, they were granted passage to return to their home countries through Rwanda.”
Kagame’s direct rebuttal to Ramaphosa’s lies highlights the ongoing struggle for an accurate representation of the conflict, while also raising fundamental questions about the role of external forces in the DRC’s turmoil.
The regional leaders convened virtually on January 29, 2025, for the 24th extraordinary summit to address the deteriorating security situation in eastern DRC, which early this week culminated in the capture of Goma, the capital and largest city of the North Kivu Province.
In a post-summit statement, the leaders emphasized that a peaceful settlement is the only viable solution to the ongoing crisis.
“The summit called for a peaceful settlement of the conflicts and strongly urged the government of the DRC to directly engage with all stakeholders, including the M23 and other armed groups that have grievances,” the statement read.
Notably absent from the summit was DRC President Félix Tshisekedi, who has previously resisted direct negotiations with M23, labeling them a terrorist group. His absence has raised concerns about Kinshasa’s willingness to embrace dialogue, even as pressure mounts for a political resolution to the conflict.
Beyond the push for dialogue, the summit also demanded an immediate ceasefire and unrestricted humanitarian access to affected populations.
“The summit called on all parties to the conflict in eastern DRC to cease hostilities, observe an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, and facilitate humanitarian access to the affected population,” the leaders said.
The meeting further condemned recent attacks on diplomatic missions in Kinshasa, urging the Congolese government to ensure the safety of foreign embassies, diplomats, and their staff.
Violent protests were witnessed in Kinshasa, the capital of the DRC, on Tuesday as demonstrators targeted multiple foreign missions in response to the fall of Goma to the M23 group fighting for the rights of the minority Tutsi community. The mobs attacked the embassies of Rwanda, the United States, France, South Africa, Uganda, and Kenya.
The security crisis in eastern DRC has drawn increased involvement from the Southern African Development Community (SADC), which has deployed regional forces to assist the Congolese military. South Africa, in particular, has sent 2,900 troops as part of a broader effort to combat armed groups, with at least 13 soldiers confirmed dead in recent clashes.
Acknowledging SADC’s role, the EAC summit proposed a joint EAC-SADC meeting to coordinate responses.
“The summit decided on a joint EAC-SADC summit to deliberate on the way forward and mandated the chairperson to consult with the chairperson of SADC on the urgent convening of the same in the next few days,” the leaders resolved.
Kenyan President William Ruto, who chaired the summit in his capacity as the chair of EAC, has previously argued that a military solution alone will not end the conflict.
“Engagement, dialogue, and consultations are the only viable way out of the situation in DRC,” Ruto said earlier this week. “A direct engagement with M23 and all the other stakeholders in the theatre in eastern DRC is a necessity.”
The summit was attended by EAC leaders, including Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame, Somalia’s Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Burundi’s President Évariste Ndayishimiye, South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit, and Uganda’s President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
Speaking on the evacuation process, Ozonnia Ojielo, the UN Resident Coordinator in Rwanda, commended the Rwandan government for its quick decision-making and exceptional efforts to ensure the safety of those at risk.
“I thank the government of Rwanda for the very timely approval. Because the security situation was evolving, which meant that the lives of those UN staff and their dependents were threatened, they could have become casualties of the fighting. But by the speed of the decision-making by the government of Rwanda, it meant that they were eager to help to secure free passage for these UN national staff,” Ojielo told members of the press on Tuesday.
He noted that, given the nature of the conflict, many evacuees fled without official documents. Despite this, Rwanda stepped in to host them and arranged hotel accommodations, even before securing funds for their stay.
More than 1,800 UN personnel and their families were evacuated to Rwanda on Monday after the conflict between the FARDC coalition forces and M23 rebels intensified in the eastern DRC. The individuals crossed through the Grande Barrière border post in Rubavu District.
The situation escalated after M23 captured Goma, the capital of North Kivu Province, on Monday, following the capture of several other strategic towns, including Sake and Masisi, over the past few weeks.
Ojielo described the government’s efforts at the border as highly organized and effective.
“You’ll be surprised that by 6 a.m. that same Monday, the entire architecture of government was at the border, on the Rubavu side. From state security, police, you name that, medical personnel, they were all there,” the official remarked.
Recognizing the efforts of ministries such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MINAFFET) and the Ministry in Charge of Emergency Management (MINEMA), he praised the seamless process through which evacuees were identified, transported, and accommodated.
“At Kigali Pele Stadium, the highest levels of government were present, coordinated by MINAFFET through Permanent Secretary, [and] the Inspector General of Police was in charge. People arrived by buses, they were processed. Rwanda Convention Bureau made elaborate arrangements with various hotels, people were put in buses, and taken to the hotels,” he explained.
The first group of evacuees, totalling 660 individuals—mostly women and children—arrived at Kigali Pele Stadium on Monday afternoon after being transported from the Rubavu border in military convoys. By the end of the day, over 1,832 individuals had been processed and accommodated in hotels.
“I cannot tell you how grateful we are as a United Nations country team in Rwanda to our government for the truly exceptional mobilization of capacities and resources of the government of Rwanda to support these UN staff come through,” Ojielo added.
The ongoing conflict in eastern DRC has forced multiple international organizations to evacuate non-essential personnel.
Rwanda became a critical evacuation hub after Goma’s airspace and waterways were shut down amid allegations by M23 that the Congolese army was using the airport to load bombs targeting civilians.
Ojielo noted that in the coming days, the focus will be on the safe return of non-essential UN staff to their home countries and continued support for refugees in Rwanda. Many of the UN personnel hosted by Rwanda are originally from Congo. Plans are in place to facilitate the return of those wishing to travel to Kinshasa by air.
“Though not all of those evacuated were refugees, Rwanda continues to host thousands of refugees, many of whom have fled the DRC over the past two decades,” Ojielo added.
He urged the international community to increase support for Rwanda’s ongoing efforts.
“I appeal to the international community to assist Rwanda in supporting the refugees, especially those who are still here or may come, as this is a significant burden for the country to shoulder,” Ojielo concluded.
