Rwanda's Minister of Foreign Affairs has called for a comprehensive approach to peacekeeping operations, warning that modern conflicts are becoming increasingly complex due to the rise of armed groups, mercenaries, disinformation, and hate speech amplified through digital technologies. ALSO READ: UN peacekeeping missions need realistic mandates, says Rwandan envoy Olivier Nduhungirehe said this during the 2nd Ministerial Conference on Peacekeeping in Francophone Environments held on Wednesday, May 20, in Rabat, Morocco. Message clés de l’allocution du ministre @onduhungirehe lors de la 2ème Conférence ministérielle sur le maintien de la paix dans les environnements francophones: pic.twitter.com/BTAvFD0p8h — Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Int'l Cooperation (@RwandaMFA) May 20, 2026 Addressing the conference, Nduhungirehe said peacekeeping operations today are unfolding in complex security contexts marked by asymmetric conflicts and rapidly evolving threats that undermine civilian protection and the credibility of peace missions. He stressed that peacekeeping cannot be treated as an end in itself, but part of a broader political strategy aimed at addressing the root causes of conflicts. According to the minister, responses to conflicts should be built around three complementary pillars: conflict prevention, peacekeeping, and peacebuilding. As part of that approach, he called for stronger African mechanisms for conflict prevention, particularly through reinforcing early warning systems and the African Union’s Panel of the Wise to help detect and address crises before they escalate. ALSO READ: Nduhungirehe raises concerns over UN Security Council veto use Nduhungirehe also warned against the dangers of hate speech and information manipulation, noting that such rhetoric often precedes mass atrocities and genocides. He said disinformation campaigns weaken efforts to protect civilians while also eroding trust in international peacekeeping missions. The minister further highlighted the growing role of technology in modern peace operations, saying innovations such as artificial intelligence could help improve both the effectiveness and transparency of missions. However, he stressed that the use of such technologies must remain consistent with international humanitarian law and principles of accountability. ALSO READ: Defence minister reaffirms Rwanda’s commitment to UN peacekeeping reforms Nduhungirehe reaffirmed Rwanda’s commitment to peacekeeping efforts, noting that the country remains the leading Francophone troop contributor to United Nations peace operations. He also praised the role of the International Organisation of La Francophonie in strengthening language capacities among peacekeeping contingents and improving interoperability in Francophone operational environments. The conference in Rabat was the second ministerial gathering focused on peacekeeping in Francophone environments, following the inaugural meeting held in Paris in 2016.
