DRC–Rwanda: Tshisekedi seeks Putin’s support to end the conflict

In Moscow on Friday, October 30, Félix Tshisekedi asked Vladimir Putin for greater Russian involvement in diplomatic efforts to restore peace in eastern DR Congo, where fighting continues between the Congolese army and M23 rebels. The Congolese president cited Russia’s position as a permanent member of the UN Security Council. A US-mediated peace agreement reached between the DRC and Rwanda in December has not ended the clashes; Kinshasa accuses Kigali of supporting the M23 and demands the withdrawal of Rwandan forces, while Rwanda denies involvement. Tshisekedi also sought Moscow’s support for renewing the MONUSCO mission’s mandate, which expires in December.