DR Congo conflict falsehoods should be refuted by the Rwandan diaspora
Olivier Nduhungirehe, Rwanda’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, has called on the Rwandan diaspora to aggressively combat false information about the DR Congo issue that is directed at Rwanda, especially on the internet and in foreign media.
During Rwanda Convention 2025, which honors Rwandan culture, accomplishments, and unity, he made the call on Saturday, July 5. In addition to commemorating the 31st anniversary of Rwanda’s liberation, the three-day event is being held in Dallas, Texas.
Nduhungirehe emphasized to diaspora people the vital role they play in influencing how the world views Rwanda.
“We frequently claim that diaspora members are Rwandan citizens and ambassadors. As a government and an embassy, we are aware that we are unable to reach every place,” he stated. Nduhungirehe pointed out that Rwanda has been under increasing pressure from the media and foreign governments, including sanctions, since the start of 2025, with the collapse of places like Goma and Bukavu in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. These pressures are frequently based on false information.
“In addition, there was false information in the media and on social media, particularly from Congo, that presented the conflict as a mineral conflict without accurately depicting the conflict’s nature.”
According to a recent UN Group of Experts report, the FDLR, a genocidal militia established by former members of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, is being used as a frontline force by the DR Congo’s army in cooperation.
The report, however, misrepresents Rwanda’s justifiable security concerns over FDLR and its affiliates, which provide as justification for Rwanda’s border defenses. Yolande Makolo, a government spokesperson, said the report also accuses people of smuggling minerals.
“It is important for members of the diaspora to first understand this crisis,” Nduhungirehe said, urging them to stay informed.
Along with working with RCAs [Rwandan Community Abroad] to obtain reliable information, we should also speak with our embassies to better comprehend the situation. After that, we can speak out or defend the government’s position in the neighborhoods where we live and work.
“We are in a position that will bring lasting peace to our region,” he said.
He emphasized the necessity of resolving Rwanda’s security difficulties, especially the danger posed by the FDLR, and putting an end to the continued persecution of the Rwandophone and Congolese Tutsi communities, which Rwanda is frequently wrongly held responsible for.
Additionally, diaspora people were urged to actively combat misinformation by Sheba Rugege, Executive Board Member of the US Rwanda Community Abroad (USRCA).
“Watch real videos from our ministers and other representatives who can speak clearly about the crisis instead of relying just on different voices online,” she said.
We were in such a dire situation just thirty-one years ago. Many people are assaulting Rwanda just because they are amazed, and we must let them know that this is genuine. This is true.
