Russia and Rwanda talk about the situation in eastern DR Congo and bolster their relationship

Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Bogdanov Mikhail Leonidovich, who oversees relations with the Middle East and Africa, spoke with Rwanda’s Foreign Affairs Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe over the phone about the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the need to develop bilateral relationships.

On Wednesday, February 5, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International collaboration posted on X, stating that the main topics of their conversation were “exchanging perspectives on the situation in the Eastern DRC and strengthening Rwanda-Russia cooperation.”

This interaction takes place in the midst of increased regional tensions when Goma, the provincial capital of North Kivu, was taken by M23 rebels on January 27.

According to rebel spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka, who spoke on Monday, February 3, they announced a humanitarian ceasefire that will take effect on February 4.

According to Kanyuka, the action was taken “in response to the humanitarian crisis caused by the Kinshasa regime.” The eastern DRC situation will be the subject of a combined EAC-SADC conference in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on Saturday, February 8.

Russia-Rwanda relations

On October 17, 1963, Rwanda and Russia established diplomatic ties.

Strong links between the two nations are maintained thanks to ambassadorial-level permanent diplomatic representations.

The domains of political, military, educational, human resource development, and cultural cooperation are all covered by bilateral collaboration. Some Rwandan police personnel are trained in Russia, and scholarships are available to Rwandan students. Approximately 800 Rwandan students have earned degrees in subjects including political science, law, and medicine from Russian institutions throughout the last 50 years.

Alexander Polyakov, Russia’s new ambassador to Rwanda, stated in August of last year that he had been told to do all in his power to strengthen the historically cordial and warm ties between Russia and Rwanda “for the mutual benefit of our two peoples.”

According to Amb Polyakov, Rwanda’s “proactive and creative” attitude to African integration concerns and its exceptional commitment to international peacekeeping are respected by Russia.

“We firmly support the idea of ending the complex situation in the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo through peaceful dialogue based on reasonable compromise, and we fully understand the motivation behind the Rwandan leadership’s strong stance on it.”

Additionally, Polyakov emphasized that Russia and Rwanda have friendly ties in a variety of sectors of cooperation, such as commerce, investment, military cooperation, and nuclear energy.

Russia continues to offer Rwandan students state-funded scholarships, and we have great faith in our military cooperation. Our nation is prepared to take on additional pupils.