Rwanda urges global backing against FDLR threat, hails Kenya ties

Nairobi, Kenya, on October 8—Rwanda has urged the global community to back its efforts to tackle the FDLR militia threat in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, while emphasizing the strong ties between Kigali and Nairobi. During a recent meeting with diplomats in Nairobi, Rwanda's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Usta Kaitesi, made this appeal and highlighted the growing strategic relationship between Rwanda and Kenya.

Kaitesi emphasized that the FDLR remains a significant security concern for Rwanda and stressed the importance of international support to find a lasting solution to the crisis that has plagued the region for three decades. The Minister criticized the DRC government for not fully neutralizing the FDLR, despite its commitments under the Washington Peace process.

She also expressed concern over the spread of anti-Tutsi ideology and hate speech in parts of Congolese society. Kaitesi underscored that Rwanda's security concerns should be addressed alongside the struggles of marginalized Congolese communities, particularly those of Kinyarwanda-speaking populations. The recent visit to Kenya was productive, with both nations signing 11 memoranda of understanding in various sectors.

Kaitesi described Kenya as a key partner for Rwanda, citing the Northern Corridor's role in bolstering Rwanda's trade and energy security. She highlighted the recent import of 40,000 metric tonnes of refined petroleum products through Kenya's Port of Mombasa, underscoring the importance of this partnership. Rwanda has also been chosen to lead the Group of 77 in 2027, an opportunity Kaitesi intends to use to promote reforms in the international financial architecture and advocate for greater representation of the Global South in the UN Security Council.

She called for reforms in international financial systems to support African industrialization and the adoption of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence.