Rwanda and DR Congo are two neighbouring countries in Africa that share more than just a border. But despite being geographically close, their relationship has been fraught with tension and misunderstandings, largely due to a complex history shaped by colonialism and external influences. This troubled relationship is often misunderstood by the world, which sometimes sees them as enemies rather than as nations that could be strong allies. ALSO READ: Rwanda, DR Congo will always be together; they are joined at the hip The shadow of colonialism The root of many of these issues can be traced back to the colonial era. In 1884, European powers met at the Berlin Conference and divided Africa into territories, drawing borders without regard for the cultural and ethnic compositions of the regions. These artificial boundaries forced different communities together under new colonial administrations and separated others that previously lived in harmony. Rwanda, for example, lost significant portions of its land to neighbouring countries, including what is now DR Congo. DR Congo, unlike Uganda, welcomed the land it gained but did not extend the same recognition to the people who had lived there for centuries. ALSO READ: DR Congo’s Rwandophone question: What US govt, SA, Tanzanian leaders said Kinyarwanda-speaking communities which had long inhabited these regions were marginalized and denied citizenship. This exclusion has led to decades of conflict, displacement, and human rights abuses. People in these communities sought refuge in Rwanda and elsewhere, and others have taken up arms to fight for their rights. ALSO READ: UN Genocide prevention chief hears ‘harrowing stories’ of Congolese refugees in Rwanda The fight for recognition and rights Throughout history, there have always been those who fight for justice and change within their communities. In DR Congo, some Kinyarwanda-speaking Congolese have chosen to stand up for their rights and demand recognition from their government. However, these efforts have often been met with resistance, violence, and betrayal. The international community, which claims to promote peace and human rights, has frequently turned a blind eye to their plight. The most recent manifestation of this struggle is the M23 movement, a group formed by some Kinyarwanda-speaking Congolese who have been fighting for their rights and recognition. Instead of addressing the root causes of the conflict, the Congolese government and its allies often chose to scapegoat Rwanda, accusing it of supporting this group. ALSO READ: Forgotten context and why blaming Rwanda won't solve DR Congo's crisis These accusations are not only unfounded but serve to divert attention from the real issue: Kinshasa’s failure to recognize and integrate the Kinyarwanda-speaking communities as full citizens of the DR Congo. The role of the international community The international community's response to the ongoing conflict in DR Congo has been, at best, hypocritical. While UN peacekeepers have been deployed to the region for decades, little has been done to address the underlying issues. Instead of helping to resolve the conflict, these forces have their own hidden agendas, maintaining a status quo that benefits powerful external interests. ALSO READ: Belgian lawyer on why genocide ideology doesn’t dissolve three decades after dispersion of genocidaires DR Congo's collaboration with militia groups like FDLR – a militia formed by remnants of the perpetrators of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda – adds another layer of complexity to the situation. By supporting such groups, DR Congo not only undermines regional security but also perpetuates a cycle of violence and retribution that affects both nations, and the wider region. This has led to ongoing instability in eastern DR Congo, where Kinyarwanda-speaking Congolese continue to face discrimination and violence. Africans as their own enemies? There is a saying that the enemy of Africans is often other Africans. This sentiment reflects the deep divisions and conflicts that continue to plague the continent, many of which have roots in colonialism but are perpetuated by contemporary politics and power struggles. The situation in DR Congo is a stark example of how internal divisions can be exploited by external forces to further their own interests. ALSO READ: Would DR Congo’s Kinyarwanda-speaking communities be better off with a homeland of their own? For generations, Kinyarwanda-speaking people in DR Congo have fought for recognition and their rights. Until their government acknowledges their existence and protects their rights, they will continue to fight. It is a fight not just for their survival but also for justice and equality. A call to action for Africa As Africans, it is time to wake up and take responsibility for our own destinies. The international community, which we often rely on for support and guidance, has shown, time and again, that its interests are not always aligned with our own. Powerful countries have been involved in conflicts around the world, often prioritizing their own strategic and economic interests over the well-being of the people affected by these wars. We must stop looking outside for solutions to our problems and start looking within. African leaders must recognize that true independence means being able to make decisions that are in the best interests of their people, without undue influence from external powers. This requires a commitment to good governance, transparency, and respect for human rights. The writer is a poet, life coach, and ghostwriter.
