Kigali has strongly pushed back against what it calls misleading accusations from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), accusing its neighbor of attempting to undermine Rwanda’s international partnerships through misinformation and political pressure. The Rwandan government insists these claims not only distort the truth but also threaten regional peace, stability, and economic cooperation.
Jean-Guy K. Africa, CEO of the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), reaffirmed Rwanda’s position, stating, “Rwanda firmly rejects attempts to politicize our partnerships with Arsenal, Bayern Munich, PSG, and the NBA/BAL. These partnerships are elevating Rwanda and Africa in the global sports industry, boosting tourism, enhancing local talent, and creating jobs.”
Rwanda has built a reputation as a hub for major sporting events, using these partnerships to attract international visitors and develop local infrastructure. The “Visit Rwanda” initiative has been central to this strategy, showcasing the country’s commitment to peace, stability, and inclusive economic growth.
Kigali argues that the DRC’s accusations are an attempt to distract from internal governance failures, particularly in eastern Congo, where ethnic tensions, poor leadership, and the presence of multiple armed groups have fueled instability. The conflict, Rwanda says, is largely driven by local factors, including discrimination against certain Congolese communities.
A key issue remains the M23 rebellion, a movement composed of Congolese fighters who have long protested systemic persecution. Rwanda maintains that the DRC government’s failure to protect these communities has led to mass displacement, with over 100,000 Congolese Tutsis currently seeking refuge in Rwanda.
“The crisis in eastern Congo is not of Rwanda’s making,” the government stated. “The failure to address deep-rooted discrimination and the presence of extremist armed groups continues to fuel instability.”
Rwanda also highlights the continued presence of the FDLR militia, a group linked to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, which, according to Kigali, operates with the backing of the Congolese government. It warns that the collaboration between the FARDC (Congolese army) and such militias poses a direct security threat to Rwanda.
Despite these challenges, Rwanda insists it has exercised restraint, focusing on diplomatic engagement while ensuring the security of its borders and citizens. Kigali reaffirmed its commitment to an African-led mediation process, calling on regional bodies such as the African Union, the East African Community (EAC), and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to lead peace efforts.
On accusations that Rwanda is exploiting minerals from the DRC, Kigali dismissed the claims as baseless. “These allegations are nothing more than an attempt to shift attention away from the DRC’s own mismanagement of its mining sector, which is plagued by corruption, weak regulatory enforcement, and political instability,” the statement said.
Rwanda maintains that a political solution is the only viable path to resolving the crisis in eastern DRC. It advocates for addressing the root causes of the conflict, including armed ethnic extremism, illegal armed groups, and the safe return of refugees.
“Our vision remains one of peace and prosperity,” the government said. “We will continue fostering productive collaborations with all our neighbors, including the DRC, to drive regional development and economic growth.”