The renewed diplomatic row follows remarks by U.S. Congressman Chris Smith, who accused Rwanda of undermining the 2025 Washington Peace Agreement that was meant to halt hostilities between Kigali and Kinshasa.
The accord, brokered with support from U.S. President Donald Trump, committed both countries to an immediate ceasefire and the withdrawal of foreign forces from eastern DRC.
Smith alleged that Rwanda continues to support M23, an accusation Kigali has repeatedly denied. He argued that the failure to enforce the ceasefire and continued violence against civilians amount to violations of the agreement, calling on Washington to impose targeted sanctions against senior Rwandan officials.
The lawmaker also claimed that ongoing insecurity in mineral-rich eastern Congo is hampering peace efforts and fueling regional instability.
Responding to the threats, President Kagame accused external actors of applying double standards and contributing to the very problems they now blame Rwanda for.
Responding to the threats, President Kagame accused external actors of applying double standards and contributing to the very problems they now blame Rwanda for.
Speaking during a national dialogue forum in Kigali, Kagame said foreign powers often interfere in regional dynamics without fully addressing the root causes of conflict in eastern Congo.
He argued that Rwanda faces persistent security threats along its borders and that criticism from abroad overlooks the complex realities on the ground.
Kagame further suggested that international pressure has emboldened hardline positions within the Congolese leadership, reducing incentives for meaningful dialogue and accountability.
Kagame further suggested that international pressure has emboldened hardline positions within the Congolese leadership, reducing incentives for meaningful dialogue and accountability.
In his view, diplomatic approaches that single out Rwanda while failing to address governance and security challenges inside the DRC risk prolonging the crisis rather than resolving it.
The conflict in eastern DRC has for years revolved around armed groups, including M23, whose activities Kinshasa says are backed by Rwanda.
The conflict in eastern DRC has for years revolved around armed groups, including M23, whose activities Kinshasa says are backed by Rwanda.
Kigali, however, maintains that it is not sponsoring rebel movements and instead points to the presence of hostile militias operating from Congolese territory as a direct threat to Rwanda’s security.
The fragile peace agreement signed in Washington was meant to de-escalate tensions and create a pathway toward regional stability, but its implementation has faced setbacks almost from the start.
Regional leaders continue to pursue parallel diplomatic efforts to stem the violence. Under the East African Community framework, mediators have sought to revive talks between the parties, with former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta playing a facilitation role in consultations with regional heads of state.
Regional leaders continue to pursue parallel diplomatic efforts to stem the violence. Under the East African Community framework, mediators have sought to revive talks between the parties, with former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta playing a facilitation role in consultations with regional heads of state.
An African Union summit later this month is also expected to revisit the DRC crisis, as leaders search for renewed momentum toward a durable ceasefire.
As the war of words intensifies, analysts warn that escalating sanctions rhetoric could harden positions on both sides, making compromise more difficult.
As the war of words intensifies, analysts warn that escalating sanctions rhetoric could harden positions on both sides, making compromise more difficult.
With civilians in eastern Congo continuing to bear the brunt of the fighting, pressure is mounting on regional and international actors to move beyond blame and focus on enforceable mechanisms that can deliver lasting peace.
