The crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is likely among the key issues being discussed at the Global Gateway Forum 2025 currently taking place in Belgium. In his speech, President Antoine Félix Tshisekedi expressed humility, saying he never had any intention of starting a war with Rwanda, Uganda, or any of his country’s other neighbors.
The forum, held in Belgium, is attended by President Paul Kagame of Rwanda, President Félix Tshisekedi of the DRC, President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa, and President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço of Angola, who has been mediating the Rwanda–Congo tensions and now serves as Chairperson of the African Union.
In his remarks, President Tshisekedi said the goal is to unite people and promote shared development so that citizens can enjoy better living conditions.
He said:
“I have never expressed any desire for war — not with Rwanda, Uganda, or any of our nine neighbors. We are both involved in this crisis, and it’s up to the two of us to end these wars.”
Tshisekedi told the gathering that the Angolan President had brokered an understanding between Rwanda and Congo, but up to now, he does not understand why President Paul Kagame refused to sign the agreement, which was 98% complete.
He added:
“We are not yet out of danger, which is why I am appealing — before this forum and the whole world, Mr. President — for us to urgently seek peace. This requires your country to order the M23 rebels, who are supported by your government, to stop the war that has killed so many people. We are counting millions of deaths over the years. History will judge us. It’s time to stop and focus on development.”
President Tshisekedi said he had initially planned to call for sanctions against Rwanda, but decided to wait and first hear President Kagame’s response.
Concluding his speech, Tshisekedi said he believes President Kagame heard his message and assured that he is ready to discuss the matter further.
In his own remarks, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said seeing both Presidents Tshisekedi and Kagame present at the same forum gave him hope and confidence that there is a strong desire for peace.
