Tshisekedi Hints That His Calls for Peace with Rwanda Were Merely for Show

Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi has suggested that his earlier statements about seeking peace and reconciliation with Rwanda were not genuine, saying he made them mainly to appear reasonable in the eyes of the international community.

Speaking to members of the Congolese diaspora in Belgium, where he attended the EUAfrica Global Gateway Forum on October 9, 2025, Tshisekedi explained that his gestures of peace toward Rwanda were meant to prove to the world that he is not the one fueling regional instability.

During the Brussels forum, Tshisekedi publicly stated that he was “ready to embrace any solution” that could restore peace in eastern Congo, even extending a symbolic handshake toward Rwandan President Paul Kagame. However, he later told Congolese expatriates that this was merely a diplomatic display aimed at showing that he was not the obstacle to peace.

“What I said yesterday wasn’t a secret I did it openly,” Tshisekedi said. “I offered my hand to someone representing the forces attacking our country so that the whole world could witness it. While we defend ourselves, some portray us as aggressors. I wanted to show the world that we are the ones who truly want peace.”

Despite these remarks, Tshisekedi quickly shifted tone, accusing Rwanda of continuing to destabilize the DRC, particularly after learning about what he described as a “major strategic partnership” being prepared between his government and the United States. He claimed that Kigali orchestrated political resistance to prevent the deal’s signing.

“They mobilized everyone politicians, religious leaders, civil society to block the Americans from signing with us,” Tshisekedi alleged. “That proves we have many enemies, but we’re not afraid.”

Sounding defiant, he added, “We began this struggle long ago, before they even grew strong. We’re used to standing up to those who claim to be powerful it won’t discourage us.”

The Congolese leader also rejected the prospect of direct talks with the M23 rebel movement, insisting he would only engage with Congolese groups that share his position of blaming Rwanda for the ongoing crisis.

“We’re not against dialogue,” Tshisekedi said, “but we will only talk to Congolese who condemn those who attacked us. We will not negotiate with representatives of our aggressors.”

He stressed that any negotiations must exclude armed groups allegedly backed by Rwanda, declaring, “There will never be talks with emissaries of those who attacked us not while I’m still alive.”

Tshisekedi nonetheless took credit for the peace initiatives mediated by the United States and Qatar, saying they happened because of his leadership, even as Kinshasa has been accused of dragging its feet in implementing agreed commitments.

President Kagame, who chose not to respond directly during the Brussels meeting, later posted a cryptic message on X (formerly Twitter):

“If one makes an issue of the noise of an empty drum, they also have a problem! Better to let it pass or walk away from it.”

In response to Tshisekedi’s latest comments, Rwanda’s Foreign Affairs Minister Amb. Olivier Nduhungirehe said on X that “President Tshisekedi will wait forever,” stressing that Rwanda is not interested in “political theatrics meant to mislead Congolese citizens and the international community.”

Nduhungirehe added that both the U.S. and Qatari mediators were still waiting for Tshisekedi to recommit to peace efforts Washington to the Regional Economic Integration Framework (REIF) agreed on October 3, 2025, and Doha to the peace talks with M23.

He also called on the Congolese leader to cease hostilities, including air and drone strikes on civilians, to disarm FDLR militants, end collaboration with Wazalendo militias, stop hate speech and anti-Rwanda rhetoric, and halt the use of foreign mercenaries, which he said violate international law.

Tshisekedi concluded his remarks in Brussels by telling the diaspora, “I don’t care what others say. I know they’ll think about it and get back to me and I’m waiting.”