Democratic Republic of Congo President Felix Tshisekedi has appealed to Russian President Vladimir Putin to intervene and assist in ending the bitter standoff between his nation and neighbouring Rwanda.
According to Punch, Tshisekedi made the direct plea during talks with the Russian leader at the conclusion of a Russia-Africa summit. The Congolese leader stated that he absolutely wants the support of Russia, a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, in the pursuit of lasting peace.
The eastern region of DR Congo has faced more than three decades of armed conflict. Tensions escalated significantly in 2021 following the resurgence of the M23 rebel group, which has grown into a major threat against the Congolese central government.
Kinshasa continues to accuse Paul Kagame's administration in Rwanda of providing military backing to the M23 rebels. Although the Rwandan government denies any role in supporting the group, United Nations experts report that Rwandan troops continue to assist the fighters on the ground.
Efforts to calm the region previously led to a peace agreement brokered by the United States in December, but violent clashes have persisted. Tshisekedi’s administration has insisted on the total exit of Rwandan troops from Congolese territory. In response, Rwanda has asked DR Congo to neutralise the FDLR, an armed militia formed by former Rwandan Hutu officials tied to the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi.
Beyond the border conflict, Tshisekedi also pressed for Russia’s diplomatic muscle at the UN Security Council regarding the MONUSCO peacekeeping mission. The mandate for the UN peacekeepers expires in December, and Kinshasa wants Moscow to back its renewal.
