Rwanda’s Foreign Affairs, Olivier Nduhungirehe, has categorically denied reports suggesting that Rwandan and Congolese officials met in Washington on May 2 under a U.S.-led initiative to negotiate peace in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
“I am surprised to learn that my Congolese colleague and I were in Washington to discuss a preliminary peace proposal, when none of us were there,” Nduhungirehe said on Saturday evening.
Contrary to those reports, the minister clarified that he, and his Congolese counterpart, and U.S. Special Advisor Massad Boulos were all present in Libreville, Gabon, attending the official inauguration of President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema.
The ceremony marked the end of Gabon’s 19-month transitional period, hailed by observers as a critical moment in the country’s return to constitutional order.
“It was a colorful and historic day,” Nduhungirehe noted, “not a backroom negotiation.”
He also stressed that no draft peace agreement is currently on the table. “So far, there is no agreement being negotiated for the simple reason that the parties’ contributions have not yet been consolidated,” he said, indicating that discussions — if any — are still at a preliminary or informal stage.
His comment comes amid swirling speculation about renewed U.S. efforts to mediate a lasting resolution to the volatile situation in eastern DRC, where tensions between Kigali and Kinshasa remain high.
The Trump administration, which returned to power earlier this year, has reportedly shown interest in recalibrating its Africa policy, including a more hands-on approach in regional conflicts.
But Saturday’s statement from Kigali pours cold water on reports of imminent breakthroughs.
For now, it appears diplomacy is still in the waiting room.
No official statement has yet been issued by the U.S. State Department or the office of Special Advisor Boulos regarding the alleged Washington meeting, contrary to media reports.