Yolande Makolo has said Kigali wants a political solution amid tensions with Kinshasa
Rwanda remains steadfast in its pursuit of peace and a sustainable resolution to the ongoing conflict in the neighboring Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), according to Yolande Makolo, spokesperson for the Rwandan government.
Speaking to RT, Makolo underscored Kigali’s commitment to a political process, asserting that “we [Rwanda] need peace and we want peace more than anyone else here.”
Addressing accusations from the DRC’s authorities, who have accused Rwanda of escalating the conflict in the eastern part of the country, Makolo dismissed the allegations, claiming that DRC officials “have really become expert” in blaming others instead of addressing their own governance and security issues.
“What Rwanda is doing right now is ensuring that our borders are defended and that our people are safe,” she said, highlighting the threat posed by the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), an armed rebel group connected to the 1994 Rwandan genocide, now operating in the DRC.
Makolo reiterated Rwanda’s position that there is no military solution to the conflict, emphasizing the need for a political process led by the African Union and regional leaders.
Discussing the current situation on the border near Goma, Makolo noted that the M23 rebel group had declared a unilateral ceasefire for humanitarian reasons. “That’s very good, so that life can get back to normal,” she said, expressing hope that this would provide space for political dialogue. Makolo also highlighted the toll of the conflict on Rwandan civilians, citing the loss of 16 lives due to cross-border shelling.
When questioned about the presence of Rwandan troops in the DRC, Makolo said Rwanda has soldiers on its borders only, defending them and “ensuring that nothing comes across.”
The DRC government has repeatedly accused Rwanda of providing support to M23 rebels – a claim Kigali has consistently denied. The allegations have strained diplomatic relations between the two countries. Responding to the allegations, Makolo denied direct support, instead highlighting Rwanda’s role in hosting over 100,000 Congolese refugees who have fled violence.
Criticizing the international community’s response to the crisis, Makolo pointed out the ineffectiveness of the UN’s MONUSCO peacekeeping mission, which has been present in the DRC for over two decades. “They have achieved nothing,” the Rwandan spokesperson stated. She called on international actors to better understand the root causes of the conflict and take appropriate action to eliminate security threats in the region.
Addressing claims that the conflict is driven by competition over mineral resources, Makolo noted that “Rwanda has no mineral companies in the DRC.”
The DRC has faced decades of violence, especially in the east, where armed groups such as M23 fight for control over resource-rich territories. The region holds vast mineral reserves, including gold, coltan, and diamonds. In the latest escalation, M23 has seized unprecedented amount of territory, raising UN concerns of a broader regional conflict.
