President Kagame casts doubt on US-brokered peace deal with DR Congo
Speaking to journalists in Kigali, Kagame reaffirmed Rwanda's commitment to the agreement, which was brokered by the administration of US President Donald Trump.
Rwandan President Paul Kagame on Friday expressed skepticism over the viability of a US-mediated peace agreement between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, suggesting the deal could collapse if Kinshasa fails to meet its obligations.
Speaking to journalists in Kigali, Kagame reaffirmed Rwanda's commitment to the agreement, which was brokered by the administration of US President Donald Trump.
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However, he warned that peace efforts would falter if the Congolese government did not act decisively against the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR, a rebel group Kigali considers a threat.
"If the side that we are working with plays tricks and takes us back to the problem, then we deal with the problem like we have been dealing with it," said Kagame.
The agreement stipulates that Rwandan forces should withdraw from eastern DRC within 90 days.
The UN has accused Rwanda of backing M23 rebels who earlier this year seized Goma and Bukavu—two of eastern Congo's largest cities. Kigali has consistently denied allegations of supporting the M23.
Kagame thanked the Trump administration for its mediation, but was quick to absolve Washington of blame should the deal unravel.
"If it doesn't work, they aren't the ones to blame," he said.
DRC and Rwanda Foreign Ministers signed a peace agreement on June 27, 2025, which was witnessed by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. (Photo: X/Marco Rubio)
Meanwhile, both Congo's government and M23 rebels have agreed to return to Qatar for parallel talks, as the conflict continues to claim lives and displace civilians across the region.
Kagame noted that while he believes "there is a chance" for peace, the ultimate success of the deal will hinge on three key factors emphasised by the US: economic, political, and security dimensions.
He also took aim at the UN Group of Experts reports that have consistently pointed fingers at Rwanda, calling them biased and outdated.
"The reports were written long ago, and they just come to make sure that everything conforms to that," Kagame argued.
"That is why we always find that it is all others who are guilty in this situation, except the actual perpetrators... You will never find them writing anything comprehensively about FDLR."
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