Tensions between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) took center stage at the African Union (AU) summit in Addis Ababa this weekend, where Rwandan President Paul Kagame openly criticized the tendency to shift blame rather than seek solutions to the region’s persistent security crisis.
Meanwhile, Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi’s conspicuous absence raised eyebrows, fueling speculation about his stance on diplomatic engagement.
Speaking at the AU summit, Kagame did not mince words when addressing the conflict that has destabilized eastern DRC, accusing certain leaders of using the AU as a platform for blame rather than constructive dialogue.
“The problem is not who to blame, but what to do. The endless accusations do not bring peace,” Kagame stated.
His remarks come amid ongoing accusations from Kinshasa that Rwanda supports the M23 rebels, a charge Kigali has consistently denied.
Instead, Kagame has countered that the crisis in eastern DRC is a result of decades of governance failures, historical ethnic tensions, and regional instability.
As Kagame called for practical solutions, Tshisekedi was nowhere to be seen. His absence from the AU summit has triggered political speculation, with some analysts suggesting it reflects his frustration with the AU’s handling of the conflict.
Others believe he is opting for alternative diplomatic channels, such as the International Criminal Court (ICC), where he has sought intervention against Rwanda.
By skipping the summit, Tshisekedi may be signaling that he does not believe the AU can resolve the crisis, or he may be avoiding direct confrontation with Kagame on neutral ground. Whatever the case, his decision is likely to deepen divisions within the region.
With Kagame pushing for an end to political rhetoric and Tshisekedi leaning on external interventions, the future of DRC-Rwanda relations remains uncertain.
