DRC's president seeks Putin's intervention in resolving Rwanda dispute
Editor:
Halimatou HAMADOU DJIBO
DRC's leader has asked Russia's President Vladimir Putin to help end a showdown with neighbouring Rwanda which Kinshasa accuses of helping an armed group fighting the government.
Democratic Republic of Congo's leader on Friday asked Russia's President Vladimir Putin to help end a showdown with neighbouring Rwanda which Kinshasa accuses of helping an armed group fighting the government.
President Felix Tshisekedi said he wanted the help of Russia "in the search for peace" with Rwanda, during talks with Putin at the end of a Russia-Africa summit.
Eastern DR Congo has experienced more than three decades of conflict and since 2021 the M23 rebel group, allegedly backed by Rwanda, has become a key opponent of the government.
DR Congo and Rwanda made a US-mediated peace accord in December but fighting has continued.
UN peacekeeping mission in DRC
Tshisekedi's government has repeatedly demanded the withdrawal of Rwandan forces from DR Congo. President Paul Kagame's government has denied any involvement but UN experts say that Rwandan forces are still present in eastern DRC.
Rwanda has demanded that DR Congo neutralise the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a militia founded by former Rwandan Hutu officials responsible for the 1994 genocide of the Tutsi, and active in eastern DR Congo.
Tshisekedi also sought Putin's help at the UN Security Council to renew the mandate of the MONUSCO UN peacekeeping force in his country that ends in December.
Russia has sought in recent years to increase its military and economic influence in Africa.
TRT Afrika / AFP — TRT Afrika / AFP
Related stories
Trump may consider major Iran strike if Republicans lose ground in midterms: report
As Qatari mediators push to revive US-Iran negotiations, Washington signals to Tehran that its best chance for a deal may be before next week's midterm elections.
'It's like being in an unlisted war' — Economy turns US midterms into a patience test for voters
Voters are making the economy their top priority this midterm cycle, and most US polls are ranking it above every other issue.
Türkiye puts forward Feridun Sinirlioglu for top UN post
Sinirlioglu, the veteran diplomat who once served as Türkiye's foreign minister and UN envoy currently leads the OSCE. Ankara's nomination makes him the 8th candidate for the top job.
