Geneva, Switzerland – August 2025 – Tensions between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) resurfaced this week at the Parliamentary Summit in Geneva, as Congolese National Assembly President Vital Kamerhe delivered a fiery speech calling for global condemnation of violence in eastern DRC—implying Rwanda’s alleged involvement.
Kamerhe Accuses, Calls for International Action
In his address, Kamerhe urged the international community to denounce what he described as atrocities against Congolese civilians. While not mentioning Rwanda by name, his pointed remarks were widely interpreted as a direct accusation.
“Under the leadership of President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, our country has made the courageous choice of peace with our neighbor Rwanda—a just peace, without sacrificing sovereignty, justice, or reparation,” Kamerhe said.
He further emphasized DRC’s commitment to broader regional cooperation, stating:
“We seek to silence the noise of weapons… from the Sahel to the East of the DRC—so that the hum of tractors and economic development can take their place.”
Rwanda Parliament Responds: ‘Baseless and Inflammatory’
In a swift and strong rebuttal on August 1, Rwanda’s Parliament condemned Kamerhe’s comments as “baseless, inflammatory, and counterproductive.” The statement accused the DRC of backtracking on recent peace initiatives and risking the collapse of ongoing normalization efforts.
“By reverting to incendiary rhetoric in Geneva barely two weeks after the Paris Francophonie Summit, Hon. Kamerhe has cast doubt on the sincerity of the DRC Parliament’s commitment to inter-parliamentary peace,” read the statement.
Rwanda referenced the U.S.-facilitated peace agreement signed between the two countries on June 27, 2025, which Kamerhe himself had applauded during a previous assembly in Paris.
Rising Tensions Threaten Fragile Peace Process
The renewed diplomatic clash underscores the deep-seated mistrust that continues to plague relations between Rwanda and the DRC—two neighbors with a long and complex history of political, military, and ethnic conflict.
While Rwanda has consistently denied allegations of supporting armed groups in eastern DRC, Kinshasa has frequently accused Kigali of destabilizing the region. The Geneva summit, intended to foster inter-parliamentary collaboration, may now risk derailing the U.S.-brokered normalization process.
Rwanda Urges Respect for Agreements
Rwanda concluded its statement by urging leaders across the Great Lakes region to uphold signed agreements, prioritize regional stability, and avoid inflammatory rhetoric that could reverse progress.
“We remain committed to dialogue and peace. It is essential that regional actors demonstrate integrity and coherence in their public messaging and diplomatic engagements.”
As the Great Lakes region continues to grapple with insecurity, global observers warn that the fragile peace gains made in recent months could be undone by political grandstanding and inconsistent messaging on both sides.
