Rwanda notes with concern the lack of important context in statements issued by various parties on the situation in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Misguided or manipulative statements do not provide any solutions.

The ongoing conflict in eastern DRC, particularly the recent heavy fighting around Goma, was triggered by constant violations of the ceasefire by the Congolese armed forces (FARDC) in coalition with UN-sanctioned genocidal militia FDLR, European mercenaries, ethnic militias (Wazalendo), Burundian armed forces, SAMIDRC forces as well as MONUSCO troops.

The United Nations confirmed in their reports that the late Maj Gen Peter Cirimwami, the Military Governor of North Kivu who was killed during fighting around Sake, served as liaison with the FDLR and was responsible for sabotaging planned operations by the FARDC to neutralize the leaders of the FDLR.

This fighting close to the Rwandan border continues to present a serious threat to Rwanda's security and territorial integrity, and necessitates Rwanda's sustained defensive posture.

It is important to recall that the resurgence of M23 in late 2021 did not originate in Rwanda, although the Government of DRC has scapegoated Rwanda as the Congolese Tutsi community that the M23 represents are conflated with Rwanda. The M23, a Congolese rebel group tighting to protect their community in eastern DRC cannot be accused of violating "territorial integrity" of their own country.

The breakdown of the Luanda process, following the refusal by the Government of the DRC to dialogue with M23, and the consistent refusal to address the root causes of conflict in eastern DRC has resulted in the intensification and prolongation of the fighting, and perpetual security and other threats to neighbouring countries, including Rwanda. Those who should be playing a role towards a long-term solution should not be part of the problem.

Rwanda is committed to the pursuit of a political solution to the conflict. However, the Luanda process must not be personalized or taken as an end in itself, but as a tool to resolve security concerns between Rwanda and the DRC. Both the Luanda and Nairobi processes urgently require new impetus, in order to achieve sustainable peace and stability for all the countries in our region.

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