Rwandan President Paul Kagame has accused his DR Congo counterpart, Felix Tshisekedi, of manipulation, casting a shadow over renewed peace efforts in the Great Lakes region. The accusation comes just days after both countries signed the Washington Accords for Peace, a deal that had initially been seen as a significant step toward cooling long-standing tensions.
Speaking in an interview with Al Jazeera, Kagame stressed the importance of African-led solutions to African conflicts. He suggested that while Rwanda remains committed to the peace process, Tshisekedi appears more inclined to involve foreign actors such as the United States and Qatar, a move Kagame believes complicates the spirit of regional ownership.
Despite his criticism, Kagame noted that he remains hopeful the peace agreement would endure, though he cautioned that sustained commitment from all sides was essential.
Tensions between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo have persisted for years, fuelled by mutual accusations involving rebel support, border insecurity and political interference. The Washington Accords had been expected to break new ground, but Kagame’s remarks highlight the fragility of the process.
Melissa Enoch
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