At a press conference held on 27 November 2025 in Kigali, Rwandan President Paul Kagame asserted that his country has fulfilled all obligations under the U.S.-brokered agreement with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). He pushed back firmly against suggestions that Kigali was responsible for delays. As he put it: “What is delaying, I can assure you… does not come from or relate to Rwanda. Nothing originates from Rwanda.”
Hopeful, But Waiting
Kagame conveyed cautious optimism that the deal could yet be signed soon, indicating that discussions could resume as early as early December. “For us, we have been here waiting,” he said, noting that Rwandan authorities remain on standby while awaiting further action from Kinshasa. He reiterated that Rwanda is ready to move forward, but that the ball is now firmly in the DRC’s court.
President Kagame also accused the DRC of repeatedly reneging on agreed terms. He described a pattern where commitments made publicly — even signed documents — were later reversed. “People… discuss, they near agreeing something, or sometimes they agree something, and then the next day somebody is just in the open saying, ‘No, I want to do this,’” he said. He added that delegates might sign agreements abroad, only for new unagreed conditions.
Kagame’s remarks reflect frustration with what he described as contradictory behaviour by DRC officials. According to him, these repeated reversals have stalled progress. “They sign… and then after that … they set different conditions other than what was actually done and agreed,” he said.
In addition to diplomatic and security issues, the president addressed broader regional consequences. He warned that without mutual commitment, the Washington framework — which he described as a structured and serious attempt at resolving longstanding conflict — risked becoming another failed round of shuttle diplomacy.
Nevertheless, Kagame remained committed to diplomacy over confrontation. He emphasized that Rwanda prefers peaceful resolution, even as it remains vigilant about protecting its national security.
In closing, Kagame appealed for consistency and seriousness from both the DRC and international actors. “It’s about making steps towards finding an agreement that can help us start a process that will bring peace to our countries,” he said. As negotiations remain uncertain in the coming weeks, Kigali’s posture appears firm: ready to implement, but unwilling to assume responsibility for delays caused by the other side.
