Tensions between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) escalated once again during the 6th World Conference of Speakers of Parliament in Geneva on July 30, 2025. The remarks made by Vital Kamerhe, the President of the DRC’s National Assembly, ignited a strong response from Rwanda, signaling a renewed strain in the fragile peace between the two countries.
Kamerhe’s Address: Accusations Against Rwanda
During his passionate speech at the summit, Kamerhe strongly condemned the atrocities being committed against civilians in eastern DRC, making veiled references to Rwanda’s alleged role in the ongoing violence in the region. He expressed the DRC’s commitment to peace with Rwanda, while emphasizing the country’s sovereignty and the need for reparation for victims of conflict.
“We made the courageous choice of peace with our neighbor Rwanda—a just peace, without sacrificing sovereignty, justice, or reparation,” Kamerhe stated, praising President Félix Tshisekedi’s leadership in pursuing peace despite historical challenges. He further highlighted the DRC’s commitment to regional cooperation and the desire for the people of the region to focus on economic progress and agriculture rather than conflict.
Rwanda’s Response: Criticism of Kamerhe’s Remarks
Rwanda responded swiftly to Kamerhe’s address, with its parliament issuing a strongly worded statement on August 1, 2025. The Rwandan parliament condemned Kamerhe’s comments, labeling them as “baseless” and “inflammatory.” Rwanda expressed concerns that such remarks contradicted the spirit of cooperation demonstrated during the July Francophonie Parliamentary Assembly in Paris.
Rwanda’s parliament pointed out that Kamerhe’s shift in rhetoric was damaging to the inter-parliamentary peace efforts, especially after the U.S.-facilitated peace agreement between Rwanda and the DRC had been signed in late June 2025. This agreement was seen as a breakthrough in the long-standing tensions between the two nations.
The Growing Diplomatic Tensions and Their Impact
The Geneva clash highlights the deep mistrust that continues to plague the relationship between Rwanda and the DRC. Rwanda has consistently denied accusations of supporting armed groups in eastern DRC, while the DRC accuses its neighbor of sponsoring rebel forces in the region. The verbal spat at the Geneva summit now threatens to undermine the fragile peace process and could derail efforts to bring lasting stability to the Great Lakes region.
Both countries have previously engaged in high-level diplomatic efforts to resolve these tensions, but Kamerhe’s remarks have reopened old wounds. The renewed rhetorical clash casts doubt on the sincerity of their commitment to regional cooperation and peace.
The Future of DRC-Rwanda Relations
With the 2026 general elections in DRC on the horizon, tensions between the two nations may rise further, especially as political leaders may attempt to rally domestic support by taking hardline stances. The Geneva confrontation is likely to complicate ongoing diplomatic discussions and may delay or prevent the full implementation of peace agreements between the two countries.
Rwanda reiterated its commitment to dialogue and cooperation while urging regional leaders to act with integrity and ensure respect for agreements to help stabilize the region.
As both countries continue to navigate these complex geopolitical challenges, the Geneva fallout serves as a reminder of the fragile nature of regional peace and the importance of diplomatic engagement in overcoming longstanding conflicts.
