SOS Médias Burundi

Bujumbura, April 26, 2025 – Under the auspices of U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, a major meeting took place on April 25 in Washington between Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Olivier Nduhungirehe, Rwandan Minister of Foreign Affairs. This discreet meeting marks an attempt to relaunch direct dialogue between Kinshasa and Kigali, at a time when regional tensions, exacerbated by the crisis in eastern DRC, are causing growing international concern. As Washington is attempting to reopen diplomatic channels, Belgium is also intensifying its action in the region. Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Maxime Prévot is touring Uganda, Burundi, and the DRC from April 25 to 29.

According to several diplomatic sources, the discussions were « frank but constructive. » Marco Rubio, who personally oversaw the exchanges, welcomed « a necessary first step » toward reducing tensions. The American mediator insists that this channel of dialogue be maintained and strengthened to avoid a military escalation.

For several months, the DRC has accused Rwanda of militarily supporting the M23 rebel movement, active in the provinces of North and South Kivu. For its part, Kigali denies any direct involvement and accuses Kinshasa of collaborating with the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a Rwandan armed group hostile to Paul Kagame’s government and made up of Hutu, perpetrators of genocide.

This meeting comes as a truce was recently concluded between Kinshasa and the Congo River Alliance, a politico-military movement to which the M23 is affiliated, mediated by Qatar. However, the situation on the ground remains highly volatile, with sporadic clashes continuing to fuel the humanitarian crisis. More than 7 million people are now internally displaced within Congolese territory, according to the United Nations.

While Washington attempts to reopen diplomatic channels, Belgium is also intensifying its efforts in the region. Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Maxime Prévot is touring Uganda, Burundi, and the DRC from April 25 to 29.

Leaders of the Congo River Alliance and the M23 at a press conference in Goma, the capital of North Kivu, controlled by M23 rebels since January 27, 2025 (SOS Médias Burundi)

Through this mission, Maxime Prévot intends to send a strong message in favor of respecting the territorial integrity of the DRC, disarming armed groups, and promoting human rights. He is also scheduled to meet with local authorities, civil society, and humanitarian actors to reassess Belgium’s commitment on the ground. A visit to Kigali is not planned due to Rwanda’s decision to sever diplomatic relations last March.

In his meetings, the head of Belgian diplomacy reiterates that « peace in the Great Lakes region necessarily requires sincere dialogue, an end to violence, and a fight against impunity, » emphasizing that Belgium has no hidden agenda, but is working solely for a lasting solution based on respect for international law.

A diplomatic surge, but many obstacles remain

The meeting in Washington between Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner and Olivier Nduhungirehe undoubtedly represents a turning point after months of verbal and military escalation between the DRC and Rwanda. For the first time in many years, the two parties have agreed to sit down at the same table under international mediation, marking an implicit recognition that the regional crisis can only be resolved through dialogue.
In the short term, this initiative could lead to the reopening of a direct channel of communication between Kinshasa and Kigali, thus minimizing the risk of major military incidents at the border.

The preparation of a broader mediation process, including other regional actors, to oversee mutual commitments and support disarmament processes.

The gradual isolation of armed groups that have previously benefited from more or less tacit political or military support.

However, the challenges are numerous. Mistrust remains deep, fueled by shared accusations of support for armed groups. Moreover, economic issues related to the illicit exploitation of natural resources are hampering any de-escalation.

Finally, the internal dynamics of both countries complicate the prospects for a rapid resolution: in the DRC, the army is struggling to stabilize the situation in the east despite reinforcements, while in Rwanda, security policy remains a priority over any diplomatic outreach.

Thus, while the Washington meeting is a source of hope, it will be only one step among others in a peace process that will require commitment, concessions and, above all, the political will of regional leaders supported by constant diplomatic pressure.

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In the center, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, flanked by Ministers Kayikwamba and Nduhungirehe. Photo credit: Marco Rubio’s X account.