Patrick Muyaya, spokesperson of the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Minister of Communication and Media, has said that recent U.S. sanctions targeting individuals linked to Rwanda’s military signal what he described as “the beginning of the end” of Rwanda’s economic model.
Muyaya, who was re-elected as a National Deputy for the 2023–2028 legislature, made the remarks in a message posted on the social media platform X, where he commented on the growing international pressure surrounding the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
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According to him, the American sanctions targeting figures connected to Rwanda’s military establishment could significantly affect Kigali’s economic system, particularly by limiting access to the global financial system dominated by the U.S. dollar.
“The American sanctions against the army of the father, Rwanda and its high-ranking officials mark the beginning of the end of its economic model, especially with the restriction of access to the dollar-based financial system,” Muyaya wrote.
He suggested that the measures imposed by Washington should serve as an example for other countries that maintain partnerships with Rwanda.
Muyaya also reiterated Kinshasa’s long-standing accusations that Rwanda has links with the M23 movement operating in eastern Congo. He claimed that what he called the “criminal affiliation” between Rwanda and M23 has been widely documented and proven, an allegation that Rwanda has repeatedly denied.
The Congolese government spokesman said that with the introduction of sanctions, “the countdown has now begun.”
Beyond the issue of sanctions, Muyaya also spoke about the Congolese government’s broader strategy regarding the ongoing conflict in eastern Congo. He said authorities have outlined major strategic military axes and assessed the progress made so far on the battlefield.
He further highlighted the strategic partnership agreement between the Democratic Republic of Congo and the United States, describing it as a forward-looking agreement that Congolese citizens should embrace. According to him, the relevant documents are publicly available.
Muyaya also referenced the Democratic Republic of Congo’s candidacy to lead the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), saying the initiative reflects the country’s ambition to give new momentum to the international Francophone institution.
During a meeting at the Congolese embassy in Paris, he called on members of the Congolese diaspora to remain united and mobilized in defense of the country’s interests, regardless of political affiliations, including through responsible engagement on social media.
Muyaya concluded that under the leadership of President Félix Tshisekedi, the Democratic Republic of Congo is gradually reclaiming its position internationally and changing the narrative about the country.
His remarks come amid ongoing diplomatic tensions in the Great Lakes region and continued fighting in eastern Congo involving government forces, armed groups, and the M23 movement.
