Macron made the remarks in Nairobi after attending the Africa Forward Summit, which brought together African and French leaders, policymakers and business executives to discuss investment, innovation and sustainable development partnerships between Africa and France.

While responding to questions from journalists about why France and the European Union have not imposed sanctions on Rwanda like the United States has done, Macron said France believes dialogue is more effective than punitive measures. According to him, isolating Rwanda could reduce the chances of convincing Kigali to cooperate in regional peace initiatives.

Macron explained that France supports a diplomatic approach based on several principles. He stressed that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the DRC must be respected, including the withdrawal of all foreign armed forces from Congolese territory. However, he also noted that Rwanda is not the only foreign actor involved in the conflict.

The French leader also called for renewed political dialogue between the Congolese government and the M23 rebel movement. He said the Congolese state must regain full authority over eastern Congo and intensify efforts against the FDLR militia group, which Rwanda considers a major security threat because some of its members were involved in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

Macron further urged countries in the Great Lakes region to cooperate in fighting armed groups and terrorist organizations operating in eastern Congo. He emphasized the importance of direct dialogue between President Paul Kagame and Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi to help end tensions and support mediation efforts already underway.

Speaking on U.S. sanctions against Rwanda, Macron said Washington’s involvement in the crisis is important, but insisted that international actors should prioritize reducing tensions and returning all sides to the negotiating table. The United States has sanctioned several Rwandan officials accused of contributing to instability in eastern Congo, allegations Kigali continues to reject.

Macron also highlighted the need to address the illegal exploitation of natural resources in eastern Congo, which has continued to fuel armed conflict in the mineral-rich region for many years. He called for stronger regional mediation involving neighboring countries including Uganda and Burundi.

The conflict in eastern Congo has displaced millions of people and remains one of Africa’s longest-running security crises, with regional and international mediation efforts continuing in search of a lasting political solution.