DR Congo President Félix Tshisekedi has asked Russian President Vladimir Putin to help resolve tensions with Rwanda as fighting continues in the country’s eastern provinces.
The request came during talks between the two leaders on Friday, October 30, following the Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow.
Tshisekedi said he wanted Russia to support efforts to restore peace between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda.
According to Africanews, citing AFP reporting, the Congolese leader highlighted Russia’s position as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.
The diplomatic appeal comes despite a US-mediated peace agreement between Kinshasa and Kigali in December 2025.
DR Congo seeks Russian support for peace
Tshisekedi told Putin that Russia could play an important role in efforts to end the conflict.
The Congolese president specifically requested Moscow’s assistance in finding a peaceful solution to tensions with Rwanda.
Russia holds a permanent seat on the UN Security Council and has significant influence over international security decisions.
However, no specific Russian commitment to mediate the dispute was announced following the talks.
The request comes as DR Congo continues to seek international support for efforts to restore stability in its eastern regions.
M23 conflict continues in eastern DR Congo
Eastern DR Congo has experienced armed conflict for more than three decades.
Since 2021, the M23 armed group has emerged as one of the main opponents of the Congolese government.
Kinshasa accuses Rwanda of providing military support to M23.
Rwanda has denied involvement in the conflict.
However, UN experts have reported that Rwandan forces continue to support the armed group.
The Congolese government has repeatedly demanded the withdrawal of Rwandan troops from its territory.
Meanwhile, continued fighting has complicated diplomatic efforts to end the crisis.
Rwanda raises concerns over FDLR
Rwanda has also made security demands of the Congolese government.
Kigali wants Kinshasa to neutralise the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR).
The armed group operates in eastern DR Congo and was founded by former Rwandan Hutu officials linked to the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi.
Rwanda considers the group’s continued presence a major security threat.
The issue remains one of the central disagreements between the two neighbouring countries.
Despite the December 2025 peace agreement, tensions and military operations have continued.
Tshisekedi seeks support for UN peacekeepers
Tshisekedi also asked Putin to support the renewal of the United Nations peacekeeping mission in DR Congo.
The mandate of MONUSCO, the UN mission operating in the country, is due to expire in December 2026.
Renewing the mandate requires action by the UN Security Council.
Russia’s permanent membership gives it an important role in discussions over the mission’s future.
The Congolese government hopes international peacekeeping efforts can contribute to stability in areas affected by armed conflict.
However, the future scope of MONUSCO’s operations will depend on Security Council negotiations.
Russia expands diplomatic engagement in Africa
The talks took place as Russia continues to strengthen its political, military and economic relationships across Africa.
Moscow has increased its diplomatic engagement with several African governments in recent years.
The Russia-Africa Summit provided another opportunity for African leaders to discuss security and economic cooperation with Putin.
For DR Congo, the meeting offered an additional diplomatic channel as efforts to resolve the conflict with Rwanda continue.
However, it remains unclear whether Russia will take a direct role in negotiations between Kinshasa and Kigali.
The latest discussions highlight DR Congo’s efforts to secure broader international support.
For now, fighting in eastern DR Congo continues despite previous diplomatic agreements.