President Paul Kagame of Rwanda and the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, engaged in a “productive phone conversation”, about the escalating armed violence and ethnic rhetoric in eastern DR Congo, the office of the president announced.
Both leaders expressed their deep concern over the deteriorating situation and pledged their commitment to finding a peaceful resolution.
During the call, President Kagame and Secretary-General Guterres emphasised the urgency of addressing the root causes of the violence and promoting stability in the region.
They agreed that a comprehensive approach, involving diplomatic efforts and collaboration between regional actors, would be necessary to effectively address the situation.
According to a brief notice posted by the Presidency on X, formerly Twitter, President Kagame reiterated his view that “the solution is not a military one but a political one”.
President Kagame highlighted Rwanda’s commitment to regional peace and stability, offering support for efforts aimed at ending the violence and promoting sustainable development in eastern DR Congo. He stressed the importance of strengthening security cooperation and intelligence sharing among countries in the Great Lakes
Secretary-General Guterres commended President Kagame for his leadership and expressed the UN’s readiness to provide assistance in resolving the crisis. He emphasized the need for a multi-stakeholder approach, involving governments, regional organizations, and international partners, to ensure a long-term solution that addresses both the immediate security challenges and underlying issues.