Turkish Mediation Offer Rejected by Kinshasa in Conflict with Rwanda
In a surprising turn of events, the Democratic Republic of Congo (RDC) has firmly declined an offer of mediation from Turkey in its ongoing conflict with Rwanda. Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gracia Yamba Kazadi, made this announcement on Friday following a joint press conference held on January 23 in Ankara by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Rwandan counterpart, Paul Kagame.
The conference saw Erdogan expressing Turkey’s willingness to act as a mediator in the persistent tensions between Kinshasa and Kigali, exacerbated by clashes in eastern DRC. In response, the Congolese Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Husun Murat Ulku, the extraordinary and plenipotentiary ambassador of the Republic of Turkey in the DRC, to seek clarification on the Turkish president’s statements.
“The DRC has not requested Turkish mediation”
“We have not requested any mediation from Turkey. We prioritize African solutions to African problems,” emphasized Gracia Yamba Kazadi in an official statement. She reiterated that Kinshasa is committed to the Luanda process, initiated under the auspices of the African Union, to resolve tensions with Rwanda. However, she accused Kigali of undermining diplomatic efforts aimed at restoring peace.
The eastern DRC continues to experience persistent violence involving the Congolese army (FARDC), supported by local militias known as “Wazalendo,” and the M23 rebels, whom Kinshasa accuses of receiving backing from Rwanda. This conflict has led to a major humanitarian crisis and mass displacement of populations.
The Turkish mediation offer is part of Ankara’s broader strategy to enhance its influence in Africa, where it is forging numerous economic and diplomatic partnerships. However, Kinshasa perceived this initiative as untimely interference in a regional crisis.
Kinshasa has reiterated its commitment to African mechanisms for resolving the conflict. “Turkey must respect our choices and regional commitments. Any unsolicited external initiative risks jeopardizing the ongoing efforts,” added Yamba Kazadi.
This rejection underscores the complexity of international relations and the delicate balance of power dynamics at play in resolving conflicts. As the DRC navigates this challenging situation, the world watches with bated breath to see how this diplomatic standoff will unfold.