Rwandan President Paul Kagame has voiced continued optimism regarding the anticipated signing of a US-mediated peace agreement aimed at ending the protracted conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
Speaking at a press conference in Kigali on Thursday, November 27, he noted that delays in arranging a meeting with Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi were not attributable to Rwanda, stressing that Kigali has remained ready while the Congolese side raised last-minute concerns in earlier scheduled meetings.
Despite setbacks in October and again on 13 November, Kagame said both leaders are now expected to meet in Washington at the beginning of December, adding that he remains hopeful because the mediators are committed to securing progress.
The forthcoming engagement is expected to advance commitments enshrined in a June agreement signed by the two countries’ foreign ministers, which called for a halt to hostilities between their forces. Kagame reaffirmed his enduring belief in the pursuit of peace, emphasising that stability depends on the full commitment of the parties directly involved.
The renewed push for dialogue comes as violence in eastern Congo continues to claim lives and displace millions, with fighting escalating since the resurgence of the M23 rebel group in 2021. Kinshasa has accused Rwanda of supporting the rebels, allegations Kigali has repeatedly rejected.