- President Kagame Responds to KNC on DRC Commitments and Prospects for Peace Talks in Washington
During a press briefing this week, President Paul Kagame delivered a candid assessment of the ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the persistent insecurity in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The remarks came in response to a question from journalist Kakoza Nkuriza Charles (KNC) of TV1 and Radio 1, who asked about Kinshasa’s refusal to implement the Washington Commitments of June 27 and whether an anticipated meeting between President Kagame and U.S. officials could influence regional peace.
“A Pattern of Saying One Thing and Doing Another”
President Kagame pointed to what he described as a long-standing pattern of inconsistency by the DRC government agreeing to commitments in international forums, only to publicly reject or reverse them shortly thereafter.
“People may say one thing and do a different thing altogether. Sometimes it even becomes a pattern committing to actions and then refusing to implement them,”
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Kagame said.
He noted that Kinshasa often makes public declarations contradicting agreements reached behind closed doors, a contradiction that undermines trust and complicates peace processes.
“You agree to something in Washington or even in Doha, and the next week you publicly deny it. If what you said is on record, then you have a problem explaining why you would agree in a room and then reject it when speaking to the media.”
Washington Talks: “A Step in the Right Direction”
Despite the setbacks, Kagame expressed cautious optimism about the possibility of renewed talks in Washington under U.S. mediation.
“The fact that there is even a possibility of meeting in Washington and discussing or signing anything is a good effort. For years, we had nothing like that.”
He emphasized that these Washington and Doha processes represent more structured engagement compared to past years, when diplomatic interventions often failed to deliver tangible results.
Kagame also commended the Trump administration for what he described as “a huge effort” in trying to help move the process forward.
“Peace Will Not Come From Abroad The Responsibility Is Ours”
The President stressed that no peace agreement whether mediated by Washington, Doha, the UN, or regional blocs can succeed unless the leaders directly involved are genuinely committed.
“Until the people concerned DRC, Rwanda, and others in the region commit to achieving stability and peace, even the most powerful actors will be left frustrated.”
He questioned why regional mechanisms such as EAC, SADC, and AU have struggled to make meaningful progress, pointing to a deeper issue within the DRC’s own governance and political will.
Critique of Kinshasa’s Focus on Blaming Rwanda
Kagame strongly criticized what he views as DRC’s repeated attempts to shift blame outward rather than address internal challenges.
“They keep asking for sanctions sanctions for Rwanda. But if you sanction Rwanda, how does that solve your mismanagement? How does that give citizenship rights to people who have been complaining for decades? How does it stop you from importing mercenaries to fight for you?”
He urged observers to “see things for what they are” instead of accepting political narratives that obscure the root causes of the conflict.
Balancing Optimism and Preparedness
In his closing remarks, Kagame said that despite the setbacks, he remains hopeful about the possibility of genuine progress but equally ready to defend Rwanda’s interests.
“I’m always optimistic. I hope for a chance each day. But I remain prepared to take care of the business I have to take care of.”
