Kigali, 12 March 2024 (TDI): In a significant development, aimed at fostering regional stability, President of Rwanda, Paul Kagame had agreed to engage in talks with Felix Tshisekedi, President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
The announcement follows mediation efforts led by the African union president, João Lourenço on March 12.
This decision of collaborative efforts highlights the commitment of both nations (Rwanda and DRC) to deal with the ongoing crises. The agreement was reached after a meeting held in Luanda, Angola’s capital, between President Kagame and President Lourenço.
Angola’s Foreign Minister, Tete Antonio, informed the press that President Kagame had agreed to meet President Tshisekedi at a time to be determined by the mediator.
The Eastern Congo crisis had been a longstanding concern, marked by sectarian violence, humanitarian crises and armed insurgencies. These perpetual challenges have proved to be a headache for the DRC’s government. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Rwanda’s president has expressed determination to work together.
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This diplomatic initiative is a testament to the shared commitment of Rwanda and the DRC to regional peace and security. By engaging in open dialogue and collaboration, the two leaders aim to strengthen the bonds of cooperation between their nations and contribute to the broader stability of the Great Lakes region.
This development comes in the wake of escalating tensions in eastern DR Congo, where clashes between M23 rebels and Congolese forces have resulted in the displacement of over 100,000 people, according to reports from the United Nations.
President Tshiseked has demanded withdrawal of troops of Rwanda from the Congolese soil as a precondition for collaborative work. Rwanda has been accused of supporting the M23 rebels in DRC.
Both DRC and Rwanda got at the verge of war following the same issue, in the past. Other than DRC, Tanzanian and Burundian troops are also fighting against the Rwandan army.
Rwanda, which has denied backing M23, says the Rwandan rebel group Forces Démocratiques pour la Libération du Rwanda (FDLR) which includes combatants who participated in the 1994 genocide, has been fully integrated into the Congolese army.
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It also claims that the Congolese government is engaged in “massive combat operations” aimed at expelling Congolese Tutsi civilians.
As the leaders of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo come together to navigate the complex challenges facing the Great Lakes region, this historic meeting represents a crucial step towards a more stable, secure, and prosperous future for the people of eastern Congo and the broader African continent.
