Kagame and Tshisekedi Scheduled to Meet in Luanda Over DR Congo Conflict
Presidents Paul Kagame of Rwanda and Félix Tshisekedi of DR Congo will meet in Luanda on December 15, 2024, to discuss the ongoing conflict in eastern DR Congo. This meeting has been facilitated by Angolan President João Lourenço, who has been appointed as a mediator by the African Union. The discussions follow a consensus reached by foreign ministers from both countries aiming for peace amidst mutual accusations of supporting rebel groups. U.S. President Biden’s visit to Angola will coincide with this meeting, underscoring the international interest in resolving the conflict.
The Presidents of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo), Paul Kagame and Félix Tshisekedi, will convene in Luanda on December 15, 2024, to address the ongoing conflict in eastern DR Congo. This meeting has been facilitated by the Angolan President, João Lourenço, who has been seeking to mediate this situation. Earlier this year, Angola confirmed that both leaders agreed to meet ‘soon’, with this announcement coming ten months later, confirming the date for the discussions.
The Angolan presidential office stated that this meeting aims to find a “lasting solution” to the conflicts in eastern DR Congo. Neither the Rwandan nor the DR Congolese governments have commented on this confirmed meeting or the attendance of their leaders. Lourenço has served as a mediator appointed by the African Union for over a year on this matter, aiming to establish peace in the region.
The announcement of the meeting followed a week after foreign ministers from both countries reached a consensus on facilitating peace between DR Congo and Rwanda. However, it remains uncertain whether Tshisekedi and Kagame will sign any peace agreements during their upcoming meeting, as this proposal is believed to be a significant outcome of the discussions in Luanda.
Previously, in September 2022, Kagame and Tshisekedi met under the mediation of French President Emmanuel Macron during the United Nations General Assembly in New York to discuss similar issues. The armed conflicts have been linked to mutual accusations; DR Congo accuses Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebel group, while Rwanda claims that DR Congo backs the FDLR, a group that opposes its government. Both nations deny these accusations even though they have been substantiated by United Nations experts.
President Tshisekedi has repeatedly stated his refusal to negotiate with M23, attributing its support to Rwanda, while Kigali has dismissed discussions with the FDLR, who they assert were involved in the Rwandan genocide. In a recent campaign speech on December 12, 2023, Tshisekedi hiked tensions, asserting that he might resort to military action against Rwanda.
Despite his tough rhetoric before the election, he later moderated his tone, expressing a willingness to pursue peace over conflict, stating, “I am prepared to halt my war ambitions because I want to give peace a chance.” Additionally, the significance of the upcoming meeting was highlighted just before U.S. President Joe Biden’s visit to Angola, where discussions regarding DR Congo will also take place.
Biden’s visit, which marks his first trip to Sub-Saharan Africa as President, includes talks with President Lourenço concerning various regional matters, especially focusing on the security issues in eastern DR Congo, an area abundant in valuable minerals sought after by global powers such as the United States and China. Moreover, the U.S. administration has praised Angola for its role as a mediator and consistently encouraged both nations to cease supporting the opposing rebel factions.
In conclusion, the upcoming meeting between Presidents Kagame and Tshisekedi signifies a crucial step towards achieving resolution in the ongoing conflict in eastern DR Congo. Facilitated by Angola’s President João Lourenço, this engagement reflects the need for international cooperation and mediation in resolving regional tensions complexly rooted in historical grievances and conflict. The international community, especially the United States, continues to support Angola’s mediation efforts and urges both parties to abandon support for rebel factions to foster peace and stability in the region.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
