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Rwandan President Paul Kagame has recently stirred up new controversy with his statements about Rwanda’s role in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). His shifting narratives and accusations against other regional actors, including Angolan President João Lourenço, reflect a troubling strategy to deflect attention from his own actions. In a press conference, Kagame questioned Lourenço’s effectiveness as a mediator, adding another layer of distrust to an already fragile region. Kagame’s initial justifications for Rwanda’s presence in the DRC were based on the threat of the FDLR, but this explanation has lost credibility. Today, he positions himself as a spokesperson for the M23, a militia with complex ties to Rwanda, while accusing Uganda of playing a key role in M23 attacks. These accusations only serve to heighten regional tensions. Kagame’s absence from the signing of the Luanda Peace Agreement in Angola marks a missed milestone in the reconciliation process. By justifying his absence with flimsy arguments, Kagame demonstrated a lack of sincere commitment to resolving the conflict, further fueling criticism of his role in the instability in the DRC. During his conference, Kagame continued to propagate incoherent narratives, portraying himself as a victim of external aggression. However, regional and international actors remain skeptical of these statements. Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi must carefully manage these narrative manipulations so as not to derail efforts toward sustainable peace. The conflict in the DRC, exacerbated by Rwanda’s involvement, has caused considerable human suffering, with millions of civilians displaced and lives shattered. Kagame’s attempts to justify these actions with security arguments do not mask the catastrophic repercussions for the Congolese people. It is imperative that the international community and regional institutions hold Kagame accountable for his actions in the DRC. Rwanda’s role must no longer be ignored, and Kagame’s shifting narratives must not distract from the efforts needed to restore peace and stability. Peace in the DRC requires a clear-eyed look at the facts and a confrontation with the truth. Kagame’s narratives, while sophisticated, are nothing more than a smokescreen. By ensuring accountability, the region can hope to build a more stable and prosperous future. #DRC #PaulKagame #ConflitCongo #Luanda #CriseM23