Germany has expressed interest in mediating the ongoing conflict between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda, joining international efforts led by the United States and Qatar to restore stability in the Great Lakes region. The proposal was announced by Serap Güler, Parliamentary State Secretary at the German Federal Ministry of Defence, following discussions with DRC President Félix Tshisekedi in Kinshasa on October 24, 2026. Güler stated that she had offered Germany’s services as a neutral party to facilitate communication and advance peace negotiations between the two nations. “I asked President Félix Tshisekedi that Germany, which is traditionally neutral, play a role in mediation, helping to convey clear messages to the parties involved and fostering progress in peace talks,” she said. Details regarding the structure, timeline, or formal acceptance of this mediation offer by the involved parties remain undisclosed. Güler’s visit to Kinshasa followed a regional tour that included stops in Rwanda and Burundi. On October 20, 2026, she met with President Paul Kagame at Village Urugwiro in Kigali to discuss bilateral cooperation and regional security. On October 22, she held talks with President Évariste Ndayishimiye in Burundi. Prior to the tour, the German Foreign Ministry indicated that the objective of these meetings was to address regional security challenges and promote sustainable development. The diplomatic tension between Kigali and Kinshasa remains centered on the security situation in eastern DRC, particularly regarding the activities of the AFC/M23 coalition, now known as the Front pour la Refondation de la Nation (FRN). The DRC government accuses Rwanda of providing military support to the M23 rebels, an allegation Rwanda consistently denies. Conversely, Rwanda cites significant security concerns regarding the presence of the FDLR, a group linked to the perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, which operates within the DRC. According to the Congolese presidency, during her meeting with President Tshisekedi, Güler noted that Rwanda’s security concerns should not justify violations of international law or the infringement of the DRC’s territorial integrity. The conflict in eastern DRC has deep historical roots, exacerbated by the aftermath of the 1994 genocide and the subsequent formation of various armed groups. The M23 rebellion, which resumed hostilities in late 2021, claims to defend the rights of Kinyarwanda-speaking communities in the region, while the Congolese government views the group as a threat to national sovereignty. Tensions escalated significantly in early 2025 following reports of the group’s movements in Goma and Bukavu. While Germany’s offer to mediate adds a new dimension to international diplomatic efforts, the effectiveness of this initiative will depend on the willingness of both Kigali and Kinshasa to engage, the specific mandate granted to German diplomats, and how this role integrates with existing peace processes led by other international actors. As of now, there is no confirmation that the proposal has been formally accepted by all parties.