Russia sees no quick end to DR Congo conflict – Lavrov

Moscow maintains strong ties with the country and Rwanda and stands ready to assist if requested, the foreign minister has said

Moscow would welcome a swift resolution of the conflict between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) and Rwanda, but sees no prospects for its settlement at present, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has said.

Speaking during a press conference on Tuesday, Lavrov said Moscow has good relations with both countries and would like to see the conflict come to an end, but acknowledged that “there are no prospects for a resolution” at present.  

“There are serious, deep-seated causes, and without addressing them, it will be impossible to simply declare, ‘well, we’ve reached an agreement, and everything is fine,” he explained.

The minister added that Russia remains open to playing a constructive role if asked, noting that should a request for mediation or assistance be received, Moscow “will, of course, see what we can do in this situation.” 

Relations between Rwanda and DR Congo remain strained.

The unstable security environment also complicates humanitarian efforts. In January, a landslide triggered by heavy rainfall struck the village of Burutsi in North Kivu, killing dozens of residents. Local officials reported that appeals for central government assistance were hindered by damaged infrastructure and restricted access because nearby territory remains under the control of M23 militants.

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During the same conference on the results of Russian diplomacy in 2025, Lavrov also pointed to broader political shifts on the continent, saying Africa is undergoing what he described as a “second awakening.”

It is not the first time Lavrov has emphasized that African nations are increasingly recognizing that former colonial powers continue to exert influence through neocolonial practices, prompting a reassessment of their relationships.