He emphasized that the ongoing attacks undermine the Washington Peace Agreement signed between Rwanda and DRC in June 2025.

In his address on September 25, Nduhungirehe highlighted that armed groups, supported by the DRC, continue to target Congolese Tutsi particularly the Banyamulenge through killings, village burnings, and recruitment of children. He criticized the UN peacekeeping mission (MONUSCO) for failing to neutralize these groups and called for urgent international action to prevent crimes against humanity and potential genocide.

Minister Nduhungirehe provided a detailed account of the deteriorating situation in eastern DRC. “The militarization of eastern DRC, combined with continued collaboration between the government and armed groups, violates the spirit of the Washington Peace Agreement and threatens the stability of the entire region,” he warned.

He expressed concern over the actions of the Wazalendo militias, which are armed and supported by the DRC. “Their brutality, methods, and ideology bear an alarming resemblance to that of the genocidal militias of 1994 in Rwanda. Strong action is needed to put an end to this dangerous development before it is too late,” Nduhungirehe said.

The Minister also questioned the effectiveness of MONUSCO, the UN peacekeeping mission in the DRC, noting that it has failed to neutralize armed groups such as the FDLR despite decades of deployment. “There is an urgent need to review the legal conformity of MONUSCO’s mandate,” he added, stressing the importance of aligning peacekeeping operations with international law.

Nduhungirehe drew attention to the broader consequences of inaction: “Targeting, persecution, and massacre of Congolese Tutsi, including the Banyamulenge community, amounts to crimes against humanity which have all the early warning signs of genocide.” He warned that supplying arms to groups with genocidal intent is tantamount to complicity in the crimes themselves.

Beyond security concerns, the Minister reaffirmed Rwanda’s commitment to multilateralism and sustainable development. “We remain committed to the full implementation of the 2030 Agenda, recognizing that connectivity, innovation, and inclusive development are indispensable drivers of progress,” he said, highlighting Rwanda’s efforts to promote peace financing, conflict prevention, and protection of civilians through the Kigali Principles.

Minister Nduhungirehe closed his address with a strong call for international solidarity: “Peace in Eastern DRC is in everyone’s interest.” He emphasized that lasting stability requires genuine dialogue, protection of human rights, and coordinated action by the international community to prevent further atrocities and curb the spread of genocide ideology.