Rwanda Warns Against Repeating “Mistakes of 1994” Over Violence in Eastern DRC

Kigali, March 23, 2026 - Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Olivier Nduhungirehe, has called on the international community to act decisively to prevent atrocities in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, warning against a repeat of the failures that led to the Genocide against the Tutsi.

Speaking at an international conference focused on remembrance, reconciliation, and reconstruction, Nduhungirehe emphasized the need to draw lessons from past tragedies to address current risks. He pointed to ongoing violence in eastern DRC, alleging that communities, particularly Tutsi populations including the Banyamulenge, are being targeted.

“In the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo, those driven by an ideology targeting Tutsi communities continue to perpetrate violence, killings, and displacement,” he said.

The minister warned that silence in the face of such warning signs amounts to complicity, urging the international community to respond before the situation escalates further. “We must bring this to light. Remaining silent when such signs are visible is complicity,” he stated.

Nduhungirehe also referenced previous global commitments made after major atrocities, including the Holocaust, noting that despite the pledge of “never again,” similar tragedies have occurred.

He further linked the current situation in eastern DRC to the aftermath of the 1994 genocide, particularly the presence of armed groups such as the FDLR, which Rwanda accuses of perpetuating violence in the region.

According to Kigali, attacks against Kinyarwanda-speaking Congolese communities continue, with allegations that multiple armed actors are involved. Rwanda has repeatedly called on the international community to acknowledge and respond to these developments, arguing that early warning signs should not be ignored.

These remarks come amid ongoing tensions between Rwanda and the DRC, with Kinshasa accusing Kigali of supporting the AFC/M23 rebellion-an allegation Rwanda denies-further complicating efforts to stabilize the region.