Minister Nduhungirehe Condemns International Hypocrisy Over DRC Conflict

Kigali, 12 March 2026 - Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe, has denounced what he described as the bias and hypocrisy of the international community regarding the ongoing war in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Speaking after the death of French national Karine Buisset in a drone strike in Goma on 11 March 2026, Minister Nduhungirehe criticized the global response, noting that while many countries and organizations expressed sorrow, no accountability was demanded from those responsible. “The international community stood united, blaming all parties and calling on the DRC government to establish an independent commission of inquiry,” he said, highlighting that the attack was carried out by DRC forces. Minister Nduhungirehe questioned why, in other instances where DRC forces conducted attacks against civilians, particularly in Minembwe and Banyamulenge, the international community often remained silent. He added that even when calls for investigations were made, such as after the January 3, 2026 drone strike in Masisi that killed and injured many civilians, inquiries were never conducted. “It is sad to see that today, not only have the principles of the United Nations and international law lost value, but human lives are sacrificed when powerful interests are threatened,” he stated. The Minister further condemned the selective nature of international scrutiny. He pointed out that while attacks targeting Congolese Tutsi communities continue, and threats against Rwanda are made, the international community often chooses silence or partiality. Conversely, when Rwanda is accused of involvement in alleged killings, such claims are often amplified without verification. Minister Nduhungirehe concluded by affirming Rwanda’s stance: while drone attacks and cross-border threats persist, the Rwandan army will continue to protect the nation and its citizens.