Diplomatic Efforts for Peace in Eastern DRC Stalled Amid Rising Tensions

Peace in the northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) remained elusive as diplomatic efforts repeatedly stalled, with brief moments of progress quickly overshadowed by setbacks.

Despite a symbolic handshake between DRC President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwanda’s Paul Kagame in October, analysts, including Timo Roujean of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, viewed such gestures as empty rhetoric amid unresolved questions about any potential peace deal.

Tensions escalated as M23 rebels, backed by Rwanda, expanded control across North and South Kivu, casting doubt on a planned Washington meeting meant to finalize a U.S.-brokered agreement. Accusations intensified: Kagame claimed the DRC was stalling the peace process, while Congolese officials demanded stronger international pressure and sanctions against Rwanda for supporting M23, claims Kigali continued to deny. The closure of Goma airport, among other humanitarian access disputes, deepened mistrust.

Both sides traded blame and conditions, but analysts warned that issues like banking access in rebel-held towns were being used as leverage instead of being addressed pragmatically. By late November, hopes for a breakthrough dimmed, with Kagame stating only that he would “wait and see” ahead of the uncertain Washington talks.

The stalemate has raised concerns that a prolonged conflict could worsen the humanitarian crisis in the DRC, where millions remain displaced and in dire need of assistance. As diplomatic channels fluctuate between dialogue and hostility, the path to stability remains fraught with challenges.

By Newsroom
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.