Former South African President Thabo Mbeki has emphasized that the long-standing crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) cannot be resolved solely through bilateral agreements between Rwanda and the DRC. In an exclusive interview with South African journalist Sophie Mokoena, Mbeki underlined the importance of internal solutions driven by the Congolese people themselves.
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The conversation focused on the latest diplomatic initiatives aimed at ending the conflict in eastern DRC, including mediation efforts led by the United States.
“You can have the governments of Rwanda and Congo meet and sign agreements that’s fine. But that alone will not resolve the crisis in eastern Congo,” Mbeki said. “This has been attempted before. I’ve often said that the issues in the eastern DRC are internal problems. They don’t originate from outside Congo’s borders.”
He stressed that while international actors like the U.S. continue to push for dialogue between Kigali and Kinshasa, peace will remain elusive unless the Congolese people themselves are at the center of the process.
“What the Americans are currently doing encouraging Rwanda and Congo to talk won’t solve Congo’s issues. That crisis must be resolved by Congolese citizens.”
In February 2025, a joint summit was held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, bringing together heads of state from the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC). The summit called for an immediate ceasefire between the M23 rebel group and the Congolese army (FARDC), and encouraged a peaceful solution through inclusive dialogue involving all stakeholders including M23.
“When EAC and SADC met, they rightly agreed that we must support peace initiatives among the Congolese themselves. Kinshasa must engage in talks with M23 to resolve the underlying issues. That is the real path forward,” he said. “You can discuss Uganda, Rwanda, and others’ roles in Congo, but the solution to the problems of the Congolese people including the Banyamulenge is not in Kigali. It is in Kinshasa.”
Mbeki’s remarks come amid renewed fighting in North Kivu, where M23 has regained control over significant territory, including the key cities of Goma and Bukavu in South Kivu.
Meanwhile, former DRC President Joseph Kabila has arrived in Goma now under M23 control shortly after his presidential immunity was lifted, making him liable to prosecution under the current government.
Kabila’s visit follows his presentation of a 12-point peace plan to President Félix Tshisekedi’s administration. His proposals aim to establish long-term peace and stability in the country, with key recommendations including an end to authoritarianism and armed conflict, fostering reconciliation among Congolese citizens, and engaging in honest, consistent dialogue with neighboring countries.
The dismantling of all armed groups, both local and foreign, with foreign fighters to be repatriated. The end of the use of mercenaries, in line with African Union principles (July 3, 1977) and a UN resolution (December 4, 1989). The urgent withdrawal of all foreign forces from Congolese territory.Kabila also commended SADC’s decision to begin withdrawing the regional troops it deployed in December 2023.
Despite these ongoing diplomatic efforts, tensions in the region continue to rise. However, stakeholders including Qatar, the United States, and the African Union remain actively engaged in efforts to restore peace to eastern DRC.
