United States Accuses Paul Kagame of Orchestrating War in Eastern DRC

New York, December 12, 2025 - US Permanent Representative Michael Waltz accused Rwandan President Paul Kagame of having “planned and executed the war in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).”

The US representative claimed that Kigali has controlled the M23 rebel movement and its political wing, the AFC, since 2021, providing logistical support, equipment, training, and troops-estimated at 5,000 to 7,000 soldiers-to carry out armed operations in eastern Congo.

According to Washington, Rwanda has deployed surface-to-air missiles and sophisticated weaponry on multiple fronts, fueling the offensive that led to the AFC/M23 capture of the strategic city of Uvira. The US also reported increased use of suicide drones and ground artillery.

The United States called for the immediate withdrawal of Rwandan forces and accountability measures against those responsible for these acts, emphasizing the urgent need to restore peace and stability in the eastern DRC.