Minister Nduhungirehe Exposes Congo’s Lies: AFC/M23 Will Not Leave. Here’s the Truth Behind the Doha and Washington Agreements

In a strong message that sparked debate across East and Central Africa, Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe, responded to a statement made by Patrick Muyaya, the Government Spokesperson of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). 

Muyaya had claimed in an interview with journalist Christian Lusakueno on Radio Top Congo that a new joint security structure between Rwanda and DRC would help remove AFC/M23 rebels from areas they control. His words made headlines across Congolese media and stirred hope among some Congolese citizens. 

However, Nduhungirehe quickly took to X (formerly Twitter) on July 20, 2025, to firmly reject Muyaya’s claims. He stated that Muyaya was spreading lies and confusing two separate agreements, one signed in Washington between Rwanda and DRC, and another signed in Doha between DRC and the rebel group AFC/M23. 

“Patrick Muyaya is misleading Congolese citizens again,” Nduhungirehe wrote. “He falsely linked the AFC/M23 withdrawal to the Rwanda-DRC Washington deal. This is a barefaced lie, and sadly, it is not the first time he has done so.” 

The Minister clarified that the joint security structure mentioned in the Washington Agreement is only about dismantling the terrorist group FDLR and removing Rwanda’s defensive measures put in place due to FDLR threats. The FDLR, he reminded, is made up of individuals involved in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda and still aims to overthrow Rwanda’s legitimate government. 

“AFC/M23 is not part of this security arrangement,” Nduhungirehe stated clearly. 

He added that the issue of AFC/M23 must be resolved through the peace dialogue still ongoing between the rebel group and the Congolese government. The root causes that led AFC/M23 to take up arms must be addressed before any solution can be implemented. 

“These basics are clearly written in the Doha Principles,” the Rwandan Minister said. 

The Doha Principles were signed on July 19, 2025, by DRC and AFC/M23 representatives in Qatar’s capital. These principles pave the way for a future peace agreement and list several steps that must be taken first. 

Both sides agreed to stop fighting, release prisoners captured during the conflict, restore state authority across all Congolese territory, and help return refugees. The main goal is long-lasting peace in the region. 

However, one key part was missing from the Doha Principles: there was no clause stating that AFC/M23 must leave the territories they currently control. 

Benjamin Mbonimpa, Secretary General of AFC/M23, confirmed this during a public statement. He said that the group will not surrender any territory, at least not yet. 

“There is no clause forcing us to give up even one meter,” Mbonimpa said. “We will remain in the areas we control while we continue peace talks about the root causes of the conflict. So far, these root causes have not been addressed. There is still a long road ahead.” 

The talks between DRC and AFC/M23 will soon move forward to the next phase: preparing a peace agreement that includes the key conditions from the Washington deal signed between Rwanda and Congo. 

While the DRC government continues to promise quick solutions to its people, reality on the ground suggests otherwise. Rebel groups like AFC/M23 are refusing to back down without genuine political change. For now, they are not moving an inch. 

Many regional experts have noted that Patrick Muyaya’s remarks are not only inaccurate but also dangerous. Misinformation could damage already fragile peace efforts and mislead the Congolese public. 

Meanwhile, Rwanda insists that it will not tolerate threats from armed groups like the FDLR, and it will only participate in security structures that address its concerns, not those focused on removing AFC/M23. 

As these complex negotiations continue, one thing is becoming clear: lasting peace will not come from empty promises or media soundbites. It must come from real dialogue, truth-telling, and accountability from all sides. 

For now, AFC/M23 remains in control of key territories. No official roadmap has been signed to remove them. Only the outcome of future talks will determine what comes next. 

Minister Nduhungirehe’s statement is not just a rebuttal, it is a warning. Rwanda will not accept distortion of facts. And any peace in the Great Lakes region must be built on truth, not political spin. 

The world watches closely as Congo and its neighbors struggle to end decades of instability. The next few weeks may determine the future of millions living in fear, especially in Eastern DRC.