On February 5, 2025, Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Olivier Nduhungirehe, held a phone conversation with Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister for the Middle East and Africa, Bogdanov Mikhail Leonidovich. The discussion centered on the ongoing insecurity in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two nations.
According to a statement from Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, both officials exchanged views on the deteriorating situation in eastern DRC, particularly after the M23 rebel group captured the city of Goma in January 2025. They also explored ways to deepen collaboration between Rwanda and Russia.
Minister @onduhungirehe held a productive phone conversation with Hon. Bogdanov Mikhail Leonidovich, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, responsible for relations with the Middle East and Africa.
Their discussion focused on strengthening Rwanda -… pic.twitter.com/HzlmxaTnB9
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Int’l Cooperation (@RwandaMFA) February 5, 2025
Following M23’s takeover of Goma, the group warned that the conflict could reach Kinshasa if the DRC government refuses to engage in dialogue.
During two emergency UN Security Council meetings held after Goma’s capture on January 28, Russian Ambassador Vasily Alekseyevich Nebenzya emphasized that the persistent conflict in eastern DRC has roots in the colonial era. He urged the resumption of the Nairobi and Luanda peace processes to achieve lasting peace in the region.
The conflict has been exacerbated by the longstanding marginalization of Congolese Tutsi communities and Kinyarwanda speakers. The presence of the FDLR, a terrorist group formed by perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, has further fueled violence and insecurity.
The FDLR has been accused of spreading genocide ideology, committing atrocities, and destabilizing the region. Rwanda has consistently called for the group’s complete disbandment, asserting that lasting peace in the region is unattainable while the FDLR remains active.
Currently, the FDLR is allied with FARDC forces, Burundian troops, mercenaries, and Wazalendo militia in their fight against M23. Rwanda alleges that their ultimate goal, in coordination with DRC President Félix Tshisekedi, is to destabilize Rwanda and overthrow its government.
Both Rwanda and Russia emphasized the importance of diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis. Analysts believe that renewed talks under the Nairobi and Luanda frameworks could be key to defusing tensions and restoring stability in eastern DRC.
As international stakeholders continue to assess the situation, the region remains on edge, with hopes pinned on diplomatic solutions to halt the conflict and alleviate the suffering of affected populations.
