Africa (Commonwealth Union) _U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken engaged in a meeting with Rwandan President Paul Kagame during the World Economic Forum in Davos on Tuesday. Blinken expressed the United States’ commitment to supporting efforts aimed at achieving a peaceful resolution to the differences between Rwanda and Congo, emphasizing the importance of avoiding conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
Acknowledging recent positive developments and President Kagame’s leadership in seeking a peaceful way forward, Blinken conveyed appreciation for the ongoing efforts. The purpose of the meeting was to foster discussions on these vital matters.
The longstanding accusations by Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi against Rwanda and President Kagame involve allegations of military support provided to M23 rebels. M23, composed of Congolese Tutsi fighters, has been implicated in seizing towns in mineral-rich North Kivu. While the UN and human rights groups have accused M23 of grave atrocities, including rape and mass killings, and alleged ties with Rwanda, the latter denies any connection with the rebels.
In a notable development in December, security forces in the DRC and rebel groups agreed to a 72-hour cease-fire to de-escalate tensions in the eastern part of the country near the Rwandan border. This agreement included the withdrawal of forces from areas such as Mushaki, which had been seized by M23, and the RP1030 road, a vital supply route in eastern Congo.
The broader region has grappled with protracted conflict, with over 120 armed groups vying for control of mineral resources or defending their communities. According to the UN humanitarian office, more than 6.5 million people are displaced in Congo, with 5.5 million of them concentrated in the three eastern provinces, underscoring the urgent need for diplomatic efforts to address the humanitarian crisis and achieve stability in the region.
