Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe, has claimed that Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi personally stopped a planned economic cooperation agreement between the two neighboring nations.
According to Nduhungirehe, the Regional Economic Integration Framework (REIF) was set to be signed on October 5, 2025, after both delegations had reached consensus on all provisions. However, Kinshasa reportedly pulled out at the last minute following internal opposition in the DRC.
In a statement posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account, the minister wrote: “The delegations of Rwanda and the DRC worked hard this week and, under U.S. facilitation, reached a common understanding on the REIF. They were ready to sign the agreement the following morning, but at the last minute, President Tshisekedi instructed his delegation not to proceed, fearing negative domestic perception.”
Rwanda Dismisses “Troop Withdrawal” Condition
Earlier reports by Reuters suggested that Kinshasa refused to sign the deal unless Rwanda agreed to withdraw 90% of its troops from eastern Congo.
Nduhungirehe, however, dismissed the claim as “false and unfounded,” asserting that such a demand was never raised during the negotiations.
He clarified that the REIF discussions were strictly focused on economic cooperation and were not linked to ongoing security concerns, which are being handled separately by the Joint Commission on Security Mechanism (JCSM) the body tasked with monitoring and dismantling the FDLR rebel movement.
Despite the setback, analysts say the collapse of the agreement underscores the persistent political and diplomatic tensions between Rwanda and the DRC, even as regional and international partners continue to push for dialogue and economic collaboration.
Author: Justinmind HARERIMANA
