French President Emmanuel Macron has criticized the decision by the United States to place sanctions on Rwanda over accusations linked to the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Macron said isolating Rwanda will not help solve the crisis and warned that peace efforts could become harder if countries stop working together with Rwanda.
The French leader made the comments while speaking to journalists after the Africa Forward Summit held in Nairobi, Kenya.
Macron Responds to Questions About US Sanctions
Journalists asked Macron why France and the European Union had not followed the United States in placing sanctions on Rwanda and some of its military officials.
In response, Macron explained that France supports dialogue and negotiations instead of increasing pressure through isolation.
He said:
“If everyone rushes to isolate Rwanda because the Americans did it, then the chances of cooperation for peace become very small.”
According to Macron, the focus should remain on peace talks involving all parties connected to the conflict.
Macron Calls for More Dialogue
The French president said there are several important steps needed to reduce tensions in eastern Congo.
He mentioned:
- Respecting the sovereignty of DR Congo
- Removing foreign armed forces from Congolese territory
- Restarting political talks between the Congolese government and M23 rebels
- Fighting armed groups like the FDLR
Macron also stressed that Rwanda is not the only country with forces or interests linked to the conflict in eastern Congo.
He said regional cooperation is necessary to bring lasting peace.
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Macron Encourages Kagame and Tshisekedi Talks
Macron said he strongly supports direct discussions between President Paul Kagame of Rwanda and President Félix Tshisekedi of DR Congo.
He explained that all mediators and regional leaders should return to the negotiation table to search for a shared solution.
The French president added that African-led mediation should continue playing the leading role in resolving the crisis.
Did Kagame and Tshisekedi Meet in Nairobi?
During the summit in Nairobi, both President Kagame and President Tshisekedi were present in the city, leading journalists to ask whether the two leaders had met.
Macron replied that he met each president separately but confirmed they did not meet each other.
He said:
“They were both there, but not at the same time.”
Macron added that the situation shows the tensions that still exist between the two leaders.
Macron Says US Wants Peace Too
Some journalists suggested that the involvement of the United States may have complicated peace efforts in the region.
However, Macron defended America’s involvement and said the US also wants peace in Congo.
At the same time, he repeated that sanctions alone cannot solve the crisis.
Instead, he believes negotiations and cooperation between regional countries are more important.
Burundi and Uganda Should Join Discussions
Macron also said countries like Uganda and Burundi should continue participating in regional peace talks because the conflict affects the whole region.
He added that discussions should also address:
- Armed groups operating in eastern Congo
- Regional security concerns
- Illegal exploitation of natural resources
The French president said only broad regional cooperation can help bring stability to eastern Congo.
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Peace Efforts Continue
The conflict in eastern Congo remains one of Africa’s biggest security challenges, with several armed groups operating in the region for many years.
Regional and international leaders continue pushing for dialogue between Rwanda, DR Congo, and armed groups involved in the conflict.
Macron said the most important step now is bringing everyone back to the negotiation table.
