Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi has fired back at his Rwandan counterpart Paul Kagame, after the latter questioned the legitimacy of his electoral victory.

Speaking to a gathering of diplomats accredited to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Tshisekedi dismissed Kagame’s remarks, saying Rwanda had no moral authority to comment on electoral integrity. He described Rwanda’s elections as “a rehearsal of a pre-written script, with handpicked opponents ensuring a predetermined outcome.”

Tshisekedi’s strong response comes days after Kagame, while addressing diplomats in Kigali, openly claimed that the Congolese leader had never won an election. Kagame’s remarks have further strained relations between the two neighbors, who are already locked in a bitter dispute over Rwanda’s alleged support for the M23 rebel group operating in Eastern DRC.

In his speech, Tshisekedi called on the international community to impose sanctions on Rwanda, accusing it of fueling instability in the region. He urged diplomatic partners to take decisive action against Rwanda’s alleged backing of M23, a rebel movement that has been active in North Kivu province, leading to mass displacement and humanitarian crises.

The escalating war of words highlights the deepening rift between Kinshasa and Kigali. The DRC has long accused Rwanda of providing arms and logistical support to M23, claims that Rwanda denies, instead blaming the conflict on internal Congolese issues.

This diplomatic fallout comes at a time when regional and international efforts are underway to mediate peace between the two countries. However, with both leaders engaging in open criticism, the prospects of dialogue remain uncertain.

As tensions rise, the situation in Eastern Congo continues to deteriorate, with thousands of civilians bearing the brunt of the violence. The latest exchange between Tshisekedi and Kagame is likely to further complicate efforts to find a lasting solution to the crisis.