Rwanda Faces Continued Diplomatic Pressure from DRC-Linked Consultant

Kigali - December 23, 2025

Dr. Karl Von Batten, a Nigerian-born political and legal consultant working closely with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) government, continues to push for international sanctions against Rwanda, alleging the country is the source of insecurity in eastern DRC. Born Karl-Marx Edward Ikemefuna William George Okeke, he adopted the name Dr. Karl Von Batten after marrying an American, Elizabeth Von Batten.

Von Batten is the founder of Von Batten-Montague-York, L.C, a U.S.-based firm providing legal and political advice, which has reportedly collaborated with the DRC in efforts to destabilize Rwanda and seek sanctions.

In February 2025, the firm claimed that President Paul Kagame had been uninvited from a prayer service in Washington, D.C., citing his alleged activities in the DRC. The Rwandan Embassy in the United States immediately refuted this claim, calling it false.

According to President Kagame, these attempts, coordinated with DRC President Félix Tshisekedi, were intended to convince the United States that Rwanda was responsible for instability in eastern DRC and to influence international pressure in favor of DRC’s interests.

“Whether in Doha or Washington, Tshisekedi tried to manipulate these talks for his own benefit, believing the DRC’s size and resources would allow him to dictate outcomes,” President Kagame said in a recent interview.

Despite these ongoing efforts, U.S. authorities ignored demands for sanctions, instead advocating for peace talks, leading to negotiations between Rwanda and the DRC in Washington, and between the DRC and AFC/M23 in Doha.

On December 19, 2025, Von Batten’s firm posted statements on social media from Judi River, criticizing Rwanda and its leadership. The posts coincided with U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham praising the AFC/M23 withdrawal from Uvira, and urging renewed negotiations for lasting peace.

Von Batten reportedly sought to involve Senator Graham in visiting eastern DRC and requested the removal of Rwanda from the US-Africa Trade Program (AGOA). None of these efforts have succeeded in achieving sanctions or isolating Rwanda internationally.