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In a statement, RCSP chairperson Theoneste Murangira expressed deep concern over the worsening security and humanitarian situation in South and North Kivu, warning that tensions between the DRC, Rwanda, and Burundi risk further destabilizing the Great Lakes region.

The apex civil society body emphasized that punitive measures against Rwanda could exacerbate the crisis and hinder ongoing mediation efforts led by African regional blocs.

In recent weeks, the international community has imposed a series of sanctions targeting Rwanda. The United States sanctioned the Minister of State of Foreign Affairs in charge of Regional Cooperation General (Rtd) James Kabarebe.

The European Union (EU) suspended defense consultations and announced a review of its Memorandum of Understanding on Sustainable Raw Materials Value Chains with Rwanda. The United Kingdom halted direct financial aid, except for humanitarian assistance, while Germany and Canada imposed similar punitive measures.

RCSP argued that such actions undermine the principle of collective action, which is crucial for effective conflict resolution, and called on global leaders to adopt a humanitarian, peace, and development lens when addressing the crisis.

'Sanctions could complicate mediation by fostering exclusion, emboldening non-sanctioned parties, and undermining the impartiality of mediators,' the RCSP stated, citing research that suggests sanctions rarely incentivize cooperation or break negotiation deadlocks.

'Instead, they can exacerbate conflicts by strengthening hardliners and prolonging crises.'

The conflict in eastern DRC has intensified since late January 2025, when the M23 rebel group advanced into Goma and other strategic towns after overwhelming the Congolese army and its coalition forces.

The worsening situation prompted urgent interventions from regional bodies, including the African Union (AU), the Southern African Development Community (SADC), and the East African Community (EAC), which have been calling for dialogue to resolve the conflict between M23 and Kinshasa through diplomatic means.

The RCSP highlighted that the humanitarian toll continues to mount, with essential infrastructure destroyed and communities facing acute humanitarian needs. It called for unfettered access to humanitarian aid and the restoration of critical services to alleviate the suffering of affected populations.

RCSP urged regional leaders to focus on a structured and inclusive peace process that addresses the root causes of the conflict. It warned that a ceasefire alone is insufficient without tackling the underlying grievances of all parties involved.

“Ignoring these issues risks future conflict outbreaks with even more devastating consequences,” RCSP cautioned, while encouraging the active involvement of civil society, grassroots communities, women, and youth in peace negotiations.

RCSP also urged all stakeholders to prioritize humanitarian assistance and civilian protection while calling on the UN Security Council to pressure the DRC and other actors to commit to long-term, inclusive peace solutions.

“The DRC crisis is not merely a national emergency but a regional crisis with spill-over effects that require bold, coordinated, and inclusive action,” the platform stressed.

The conflict in eastern DRC has intensified since late January 2025, when the M23 rebel group advanced into Goma and other strategic towns after overwhelming the Congolese army and its coalition forces.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

Mali had been suspended from the OIF in August 2020 after a military coup ousted President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita.

The OIF had called for Keita’s release and the establishment of a civilian-led transition government amidst the country’s ongoing crisis.

In a similar stance, Burkina Faso and Niger, both also governed by military juntas, announced their departure from the OIF.

These countries, which have distanced themselves from France and strengthened ties with Russia, have also left the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to create their own Sahel confederation.

The OIF, based in Paris, works to promote the French language and foster cooperation in various sectors among its 93 member states.

Mali, under junta rule and severing ties with France, has announced its withdrawal from the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), a move made one day after Niger and Burkina Faso followed suit.

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“These negotiations will begin immediately in the Middle East”, said the statement, noting the two leaders agreed that the three-year Ukraine conflict needs to end with a lasting peace.

Trump and Putin also stressed the need for improved U.S.-Russia bilateral relations, said the statement.

Trump and Putin have agreed that Ukraine peace begins with “energy and infrastructure ceasefire”

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In a post shared on X, Destexhe expressed regret over the diplomatic rupture, which on Monday, March 17, 2025, saw Rwanda sever ties with Belgium in protest against the former colonial power’s acts of aggression, particularly regarding the conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

He accused Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot of leading an “aggressive campaign” to influence the European Union and international organizations against Rwanda. According to Destexhe, Belgium has not adopted such an “offensive stance” on any issue since 1994.

“I regret the breakdown of diplomatic relations between Rwanda and Belgium, while fully understanding the Rwandan position,” Destexhe stated.

The former lawmaker argued that Belgium should have maintained neutrality in regional conflicts, warning that the current government’s actions risk reopening historical wounds in Rwanda.

The politician, who also doubles up as a researcher, highlighted Belgium’s extremist colonial history in Rwanda, including the introduction of ethnic classifications that fueled divisions and the 1959 ethnic violence that forced thousands of Tutsis into exile.

Furthermore, he criticized Belgium’s role during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, including the country’s push for the withdrawal of UN peacekeepers.

“That the current government ignores or pretends to ignore these facts is not only incomprehensible but profoundly irresponsible,” Destexhe added.

He also condemned the Belgian Parliament’s recent resolution calling for the suspension of economic agreements with Rwanda over alleged support for M23 rebel group in eastern Congo, describing it as “factually incorrect” and a reflection of a “glaring lack of understanding” of the regional situation.

In the conflict in eastern Congo, Rwanda has repeatedly denied supporting the M23 rebels. The Rwandan government insists that its main concern in the region is the FDLR militia group. According to Rwanda, the group—linked to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi—is collaborating with the Congolese government and poses a security threat to Rwanda.

Rwanda kicks out Belgian diplomats

The diplomatic tension between Rwanda and Belgium escalated on Monday when Rwanda severed ties with Belgium and ordered all Belgian diplomats to leave the country within 48 hours.

Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs accused Belgium of undermining its interests and taking a biased stance on the conflict in the DRC. The Rwandan government said that Belgium has been “mobilizing against Rwanda” and allowing its territory to be used by groups propagating genocide denial.

In response, Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot described Rwanda’s decision as “disproportionate” and announced that Belgium would take reciprocal measures.

A day before Rwanda took the new measures, President Paul Kagame had condemned Belgium’s actions, accusing the former colonial power of ongoing interference and attempts to destabilize Rwanda. He dismissed Belgium’s push for sanctions as futile, emphasizing Rwanda’s resilience.

Despite the escalating tensions, Destexhe expressed hope that the diplomatic crisis would not harm the longstanding bonds between the people of Rwanda and Belgium, particularly those with dual citizenship.

In a post shared on X, Destexhe expressed regret over the diplomatic rupture, which on Monday, March 17, 2025, saw Rwanda sever ties with Belgium in protest against the former colonial power’s acts of aggression, particularly regarding the conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

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On March 16, 2025, while addressing a congregation at Vision de Jésus-Christ Church, Ndayishimiye reignited tensions by blaming Rwanda for ethnic divisions in Burundi since 1959 and in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) since 1996.

“Burundi faced problems in 1959 due to events in Rwanda. The Congolese also experienced turmoil after 1996 because of what happened in Rwanda. Should our countries keep suffering from problems originating in Rwanda?' he questioned.

'Let them resolve their own issues and stay out of ours. Here in Burundi, we have no Hutu or Tutsi, we are simply Burundians. If they choose to govern based on ethnicity, that is their concern,” he added.

While Ndayishimiye claimed Burundi does not differentiate between Hutu and Tutsi, he has been accused of collaborating with the Congolese army, Wazalendo and terrorist group FDLR (remnants of those responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda) to target Congolese Tutsis.

The Burundian leader asserted that his country is in a strong position, stating that 'the world has woken up' and no longer believes mere rumors, but instead observes the realities on the ground in the DRC.

He told the congregation that the ongoing crisis might be resolved by the end of the 40-day fasting period.
Reiterating his claims of a Rwandan invasion plot, he dismissed the possibility, boasting that Burundi has both visible and invisible military forces. Using biblical references, he emphasized divine protection over his country.

“The idea that Rwanda could invade Burundi is sheer madness. I hear people say, 'Rwanda has a strong army.’ Uuuh! If only they knew the forces, I have. How would they even know, unless they sought guidance from God to reveal them? Burundi has an army, both seen and unseen. It is well protected,” he said.

Ndayishimiye also claimed that in June and July 2024, God defended Burundi from a major threat, and according to “the enemy’s plans,” his government was not expected to survive beyond October of that year.

In January and February 2025, he launched strong accusations against Rwanda, alleging that it was planning to invade Burundi. However, his rhetoric softened after engaging in discussions with “Rwanda’s friendly nations.”

By February 27, during a meeting with diplomats in Burundi, Ndayishimiye expressed willingness to engage in dialogue with Rwanda, similar to efforts made in 2020 to resolve the ongoing disputes.

“To prevent war between our two countries, we are committed to resolving conflicts through peaceful means. This is what we have been doing since 2020 when Burundi initiated discussions with Rwanda. To this day, Burundi remains open to dialogue with Rwanda to settle our differences,” he said.

Last week, Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe confirmed that leaders from both countries are engaged in negotiations to ease tensions.

“Rwanda and Burundi are making significant progress towards ending hostilities and reaching an agreement, as discussions between their leaders continue,” said Minister Nduhungirehe.

His statement suggested that if an agreement is reached, Burundi could reopen its borders with Rwanda, which it had closed in January 2024, accusing Rwanda of supporting the armed group RED Tabara, claims Rwanda has consistently denied.

Burundi’s President, Évariste Ndayishimiye, has once again intensified his verbal attacks on Rwanda, despite ongoing talks aimed at resolving tensions between the two nations.

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The meeting comes just a week after Washington expressed interest in exploring critical minerals partnerships with DRC. In February, a Congolese lawmaker reportedly contacted U.S. officials to propose a minerals-for-security deal.

However, the government has not publicly disclosed any such proposal, only stating its intention to seek diversified partnerships.

The presidential statement referred to Jackson as a 'special envoy' for U.S. President Donald Trump but did not directly mention minerals. Instead, Jackson emphasized the need for a stable environment to attract American businesses.

'We want to work so that American companies can come and invest and work in the DRC. And to do that, we have to make sure that there is a peaceful environment,' Jackson was quoted as saying. Tshisekedi is struggling to contain the insurgency led by the M23 rebels, who now control eastern DRC’s two biggest cities.

The government had planned to send a delegation to peace talks in Angola on Tuesday, but hopes for negotiations have been dashed after M23 withdrew from the process at the last minute.

M23 withdraws from peace talks

In a sudden development, the AFC/M23 coalition announced its withdrawal from the peace negotiations scheduled for March 18, 2025, in Luanda, Angola. The talks were organized under the mediation of Angolan President João Lourenço, who also serves as the Chairperson of the African Union (AU).

Just a day before the scheduled discussions, M23 issued a statement signed by its political spokesperson, Lawrence Kanyuka, blaming international sanctions and ongoing military actions by Kinshasa as key reasons for pulling out.

'The Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC/M23) deeply regrets that certain international institutions are deliberately undermining peace efforts in the Democratic Republic of Congo and obstructing the much-anticipated talks,' the statement read.

The group particularly criticized recent sanctions imposed on its members, arguing that they had compromised the credibility of the negotiations.

'Successive sanctions imposed on our members, including those enacted on the eve of the Luanda discussions, severely undermine direct dialogue and make any progress impossible,' M23 stated.

The group further accused Tshisekedi’s administration of continuing military aggression, stating that government forces were conducting indiscriminate attacks on both civilian areas and M23 positions.

'This incomprehensible and ambiguous stance only encourages Mr. Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo to continue with his warmongering program,' the statement claimed.

M23 alleged that Kinshasa’s forces, supported by its allies, had launched multiple ground attacks and aerial bombardments, using fighter jets and CH-4 combat drones.

'AFC/M23 draws the attention of the International and National Community to the warmongering campaign of the coalition forces of the Kinshasa regime through multiple ground attacks and indiscriminate bombardments of densely populated areas as well as our positions,' the group added.

Given these circumstances, M23 declared that it was no longer feasible to participate in the peace talks.
'Under these circumstances, the talks have become impracticable. Consequently, our organization can no longer continue to participate in the discussions,' the statement concluded.

Uncertain future for peace in eastern DRC

The announcement came just hours after M23 had initially confirmed sending a five-member delegation to the negotiations.

The Congolese government had also confirmed its participation, with a delegation led by Transport Minister Jean-Pierre Bemba, a former Minister of Defense and leader of the armed group Movement for the Liberation of Congo (MLC).

With the collapse of the peace talks, the future of stability in eastern DRC remains uncertain. Tshisekedi’s government continues to seek international backing while facing mounting challenges in containing the insurgency.

Meanwhile, questions linger over whether his engagement with U.S. lawmakers is a desperate attempt to secure a minerals-for-security deal amid the growing instability.

The M23 withdrew from the Luanda peace process at the last minute.

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The French National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor’s Office (PNAT) has sought her indictment for “conspiracy to commit genocide and crimes against humanity,” further expanding the scope of the investigation.

The request will be reviewed behind closed doors by the investigating chamber of the Paris Court of Appeal on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at 4:00 PM, with a deliberation to follow.

Agathe Habyarimana, now 82, has been under investigation in France since 2008, following a complaint by the Collective of Civil Parties for Rwanda (CPCR). Despite multiple legal proceedings, she has so far evaded prosecution.

She is accused of being a key figure in the ‘akazu’, the inner circle of Hutu power which orchestrated the Genocide against the Tutsi which claimed over a million lives, but has denied all accusations.

Agathe was evacuated to France three days after President Habyarimana’s plane was shot down on April 6, 1994.

She was evacuated to France with the help of then-French President François Mitterrand who was close to her late husband.

Despite residing in France since 1998, she has been denied asylum due to suspicions about her involvement in the genocide. However, France has also refused to extradite her to Rwanda.

In 2016, she was designated as an “assisted witness,” an intermediate legal status, and in February 2022, the investigating judge signalled the potential closure of the case, citing excessive delays.

New developments in the case

The PNAT has since pushed for further inquiries, issuing a supplementary indictment in August 2022.

Former National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor Jean-François Ricard, speaking ahead of the 30th anniversary of the genocide, emphasised that the case remains one of the most complex on their docket. The charges include allegations that Agathe Habyarimana gave orders and incited violence during the genocide.

The prosecution argues that the investigating judge failed to take sufficient action and, in September 2024, formally requested her indictment. With no response from the judge, the matter has now been escalated to the Court of Appeal to advance the case.

The CPCR alleges that Agathe Habyarimana financed Radio Mille Collines, the infamous broadcaster of anti-Tutsi hate messages, and participated in the creation of a list of Tutsi figures targeted for execution.

She is also accused of endorsing terror campaigns by the presidential guard following her husband’s death and of ordering the massacre of seven employees at an orphanage she had founded.

Investigators questioned her again under assisted witness status on December 5, 2024.

If the Court of Appeal grants the PNAT’s request, Agathe Habyarimana could finally face charges for her alleged role in one of the 20th century’s worst atrocities. If convicted, she could spend the rest of her life in prison.

Agathe Habyarimana, now 82, has been under investigation in France since 2008 over her alleged role in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, following a complaint lodged by the Collective of Civil Parties for Rwanda (CPCR).

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According to Africa Intelligence, which cites close sources, Kabila, absent from the DRC since the 2023 general elections, spent a few days in Kampala before departing for Nairobi on March 14.

While the purpose of his visit remains unclear, reports suggest he met with Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni to discuss the political and security situation in the DRC.

This visit comes at a time of rising tensions in the region and increasing diplomatic pressure on Kabila’s successor, Félix Tshisekedi.

In recent weeks, Kabila has stepped back into the political spotlight, publishing an op-ed in the Sunday Times on February 23 and granting an interview to Namibia’s NBC News, where he expressed his readiness to “serve the country.”

While there is no confirmed meeting between Kabila and Nangaa, authorities in Kinshasa suspect the former president of aiding collaborations between the opposition leader and the M23 rebels.

Former Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) President Joseph Kabila allegedly made a secret visit to Uganda in mid-March.

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Rwanda was represented by Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe, and Minister of Defense, Juvenal Marizamunda.

The meeting was chaired by Kenyan Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Musalia Mudavadi, with all participants agreeing on the need for collaborative efforts to resolve security threats in the region.

Nduhungirehe stated that the ministers endorsed the resolutions of senior military officials from EAC and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), which focused on ceasing hostilities, ending provocations, and ensuring humanitarian assistance in eastern DRC.

He further explained that discussions also revolved around the political dialogue framework under the Luanda-Nairobi process, which seeks to resolve the DRC crisis through diplomatic engagement. This process will be facilitated by three mediators.

They are Olusegun Obasanjo, former President of Nigeria, Uhuru Kenyatta, former President of Kenya and Desalegn Hailemariam the former Prime Minister of Ethiopia.

This EAC ministerial meeting precedes a joint session between EAC and SADC ministers, set to take place on March 17, 2025, in Harare, Zimbabwe, where further deliberations on ending the conflict in eastern DRC will be held.

The discussions build on decisions made by EAC and SADC heads of state during their summit in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on February 8, 2025, which called for an end to hostilities, cessation of provocations, and facilitation of humanitarian efforts in the conflict zone.

Foreign affairs and defense ministers from the East African Community (EAC) convened in Nairobi, Kenya.

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The 2025 edition of the Safari Rally will be the first on the African Rally Championship (ARC) calendar and is scheduled to take place from March 20-23.

Thanks to the strong diplomatic ties between Rwanda and Kenya, a special vehicle was made available to transport the 62 Rwandans to Kenya for the occasion. The group departed from Kigali on Monday, March 17.

Kenya’s High Commissioner to Rwanda, Janet Mwawasi Oben, stated that this initiative aims to foster connections among East Africans, expressing confidence that the rally will serve as a unifying platform.

“Last year, there was no bus for fans travelling from Rwanda, but this year, one has been made available to encourage participation, as there is much more to experience compared to the previous edition. We believe the Safari Rally will be a great opportunity for East Africans to connect,” she said.

She added, “For Kenya, there are economic benefits, as fans attending the rally will book hotels and other services. Many have also expressed interest in visiting destinations such as Mombasa, our national parks, and various reserves before or after the rally.”

Ambassador Mwawasi Oben emphasized that participation in the event benefits not only Kenya but the entire East African region.

“For the East African Community, this is significant because it brings the region together, allowing residents to interact and potentially engage in business. The journey from Rwanda to Kenya includes a stop in Uganda, where travellers can shop and experience the country. It’s a major opportunity for East Africa,” she noted.

In addition to the bus transport arrangement, Kenya Airways has introduced a 12% discount on flight tickets for those travelling to Kenya to attend the rally between March 19 and 23.

Among the competing cars this year is the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X, driven by Prince Charles Nyerere, grandson of Tanzania’s founding president, Julius Kambarage Nyerere, alongside his Rwandan co-driver, Rutabingwa Fernand.

Also featured is the Hyundai i20 of Belgian racer Thierry Neuville, the 2024 World Rally Champion, who will compete alongside his co-driver, Martijn Wydaeghe.

This marks the fifth consecutive year, since 2021, that the Safari Rally has been included in the World Rally Championship calendar.

Kenya’s Ambassador to Rwanda, Janet Mwawasi Oben, while addressing journalists in Kigali on Monday, March 17, 2025, stated that the initiative aims to foster connections among East Africans, expressing confidence that the rally will serve as a unifying platform.

In addition to the bus transport arrangement, Kenya’s High Commissioner to Rwanda Janet Mwawasi Oben said Kenya Airways has introduced a 12% discount on flight tickets for those travelling to Kenya to attend the rally between March 19 and 23.

Among the competing cars in the race is the Hyundai i20 of Belgian racer Thierry Neuville, the 2024 World Rally Champion, who will compete alongside his co-driver, Martijn Wydaeghe.

Kalle Rovanperä, who drives a Toyota Gazoo, is also among those who will participate this year.

Tanzanian Prince Charles Nyerere will participate in the 2025 Safari Rally.

Rwandan Rutabingwa Fernand (on the right) will compete in the Safari Rally Kenya, where he will be the co-driver to Prince Charles Nyerere.

The Safari Rally is one of the most iconic car races in Africa.

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