Kagame’s Exposed: Balkanizing Congo Through Katumbi’s Federalism Plot

Patrick Muyaya on the debate around federalism

Rwanda’s attempts to destabilize Congo aren’t new, but their latest tactic is raising serious red flags. As military defeat closes in and international pressure mounts, Paul Kagame seems to be shifting strategies: from backing rebels on the battlefield to pushing division through politics.

And now, Congolese leaders are calling it out loud and clear.

🛑 Federalism Debate Sparks Outrage

During a press briefing on Monday, Communication Minister Patrick Muyaya didn’t mince words. Responding to a recent call for federalism in Congo, pushed by Olivier Kamitatu, a close ally of Moïse Katumbi Muyaya made it clear: this debate is dangerously suspicious.

“It’s so suspicious that it supports the idea of those who think it’s time to Balkanize the DRC,” Muyaya said, warning that such a move only serves the interest of those attacking Congo’s sovereignty namely, Rwanda and its M23/AFC proxies.

He described the federalism push as a political smokescreen meant to distract the nation while enemies chip away at its unity. Why bring up territorial restructuring now, in the middle of a war? According to Muyaya, it’s a malicious diversion aimed at weakening national resolve.

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Muyaya didn’t stop there. He questioned the lack of outrage or even basic compassion from the federalism promoters regarding the daily killings in eastern Congo. He slammed them for failing to condemn Rwanda’s aggression, yet being quick to talk about redrawing the country’s internal structure. No Sympathy, No Solidarity

“It’s very unhealthy and indecent to open such a debate when you’ve never had the courage to condemn those killing our people,” he stated.“You want to talk about federalism in a territory still under attack?”

That’s the core of the criticism you can’t call for federal restructuring while ignoring the fact that part of Congo is under foreign-backed occupation.

Kagame’s New Weapon: Politics

Let’s not be fooled. Paul Kagame, once confident in military pressure through the M23 rebels, has failed to control North - East of DRC and is losing ground by Patriotic Fighters of Wazalendo. So now, he’s turning to an old colonial tactic: divide and rule this time, through so-called “federalism” proposals promoted by figures like Katumbi and Kabila.

Kagame’s move from covert rebel puppet master to political manipulator shows how desperate he is. He couldn’t win militarily, so now he’s trying to crack Congo from the inside.

Minister Muyaya Sees Through It Muyaya also pointed out the double standard: Katumbi’s camp criticized President Tshisekedi for even talking about constitutional reform. Now they’re the ones calling for federalism, which also requires a constitutional amendment.

“It’s almost shocking,” Muyaya said. “How do you go from accusing the President of a coup for proposing reforms, then turn around and push your own agenda?”

He made it clear: this is not the time for divisive distractions. The priority is restoring Congo’s full territorial integrity and only then can real debates about governance models take place.

The Truth Behind the Federalism Push

Let’s call it what it is: a Kagame-backed narrative, masked in democracy but rooted in betrayal. The push for federalism right now is not about progress it’s about paving the way for Rwanda’s influence to dig deeper into Congo’s soil without firing a single bullet.But the good thing is that Congolese people are not blind anymore.

By XTRAfrica | April 14, 2025