The accusations are born in Bujumbura. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov had stated that Ukraine was among the external backers of the African Forces for Congo/M23 movement.
The Ukrainian response did not take long to materialize. The Ukrainian diplomacy has taken a hard stance and form. For Ukraine, it is an operation of manipulation intended to muddy the diplomatic waters in the Great Lakes region.
— Moscow Accused of Projecting Its Own Methods
Kiev is not content with denying. The Ukrainian ministry returns the argument against Moscow. Ukraine presents itself as an external actor on the African continent and points to Russia’s involvement.
The Ukraine does not interfere in African conflicts. Russia, on the other hand, does so by arming groups in violation of sanctions, fueling instability and recruiting African nationals to fight against Ukraine.
For Heorhii Tykhyi, this strategy is not new. According to him, it fits into a logic of diversion intended to divert attention from real issues by advancing unfounded accusations.
What Moscow accuses others of doing itself is nothing new. The objective of Russia is clear: to undermine the efforts of US mediation in the Great Lakes region and divert attention from its own destructive actions that hinder peace processes. The Ukraine links the Congo crisis to the war in Europe.
This move intervenes at a time when the crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo continues to attract international attention. Cross-accusations between international actors prove the increasing geopolitical dimension of the conflict, where each camp tries to impose its narrative on external influences and responsibilities.
By rejecting Russian accusations, Kiev also seeks to preserve its image among African partners and international allies by affirming that it plays no role in armed conflicts in DRC. Moscow, meanwhile, maintains its criticism against Ukraine, in a context marked by a diplomatic rivalry that has exceeded the confines of the Russo-Ukrainian conflict.
— At the UN, Kinshasa Defends Diplomatic Route for Ukraine
Despite the war of words, DRC has managed to bring another voice to the table. President Zénon Mukongo Ngay, chairing the Security Council meeting on July 9th, expressed his indignation at the deteriorating situation in Ukraine.
The Congolese government recalled that there could be no military solution to the conflict. In a region of Great Lakes itself battered by war, DRC calls upon all parties to respect international law, protect civilians and prioritize de-escalation, dialogue, mediation and diplomacy.
— Peace Processes Worth Their Salt
This diplomatic standoff occurs in a fragile regional context. A year after its signing at the ministerial level, the Washington Agreement has yet to produce the expected effects. Kinshasa and Kigali continue to propose different readings of the agreement, which hinders its application.
Meanwhile, the humanitarian and security situation in eastern DRC continues to deteriorate. Evaluation meetings follow each other but violence persists, particularly in areas controlled by the AFC/M23.
