Upcoming Meeting Between Presidents Kagame and Tshisekedi to…

The leaders of Rwanda and DR Congo are scheduled to meet in Luanda on December 15, 2024, to discuss the conflict in eastern DR Congo. This meeting, facilitated by Angolan President João Lourenço, is a follow-up to earlier communications and serves to pursue a sustainable resolution to ongoing tensions. The upcoming dialogue comes amidst accusations of rebel support between the two nations and coincides with U.S. President Biden’s visit to Angola, highlighting international interest in the situation.

The President of Rwanda, Paul Kagame, and the President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo), Félix Tshisekedi, are set to meet in Luanda on December 15, 2024, to address the ongoing conflict in eastern DR Congo, according to a statement from the Angolan president’s office. This meeting has been facilitated by President João Lourenço of Angola, who has been attempting to coordinate discussions between the two leaders for some time. Most recently, it was confirmed that both Presidents agreed to meet officially earlier this year after nearly ten months of communication.
The Angolan president’s office indicated that the forthcoming meeting aims to pursue a sustainable solution to the conflict in eastern DR Congo. Both governments, however, have yet to comment on the announcement or the participation of their leaders in this significant dialogue. Lourenço has been designated by the African Union as the mediator in this matter for over a year, underlining the ongoing diplomatic effort to resolve the tensions.
The announcement of this meeting follows a recent agreement between the foreign ministers of DR Congo and Rwanda on steps that experts have suggested for the peace initiative between the two nations. Nevertheless, it remains uncertain whether Tshisekedi and Kagame will be able to sign a peace agreement during the upcoming December summit, as this appears to be a crucial step in the discussions held in Luanda.
Kagame and Tshisekedi last convened to discuss the conflict in September 2022 at a meeting in New York, with the involvement of French President Emmanuel Macron alongside the United Nations General Assembly. In the broader context, DR Congo accuses the Rwandan government of supporting the M23 rebel group while Rwanda charges that DR Congo is aiding FDLR rebels who oppose the Rwandan government. Both nations deny these allegations, despite their acknowledgment by UN experts.
Tshisekedi has consistently stated his refusal to negotiate with M23, asserting that Rwanda is behind this group. Conversely, Kigali has declared its unwillingness to engage with FDLR, which it identifies as a group responsible for the Rwanda genocide. In his campaign for the upcoming elections on December 12, 2023, Tshisekedi has made aggressive statements, including remarks suggesting he may resort to violence against Rwanda, indicating strain and heightened rhetoric.
Nonetheless, after being elected, he moderated his tone, expressing a desire to implement peace initiatives instead of engaging in conflict. He stated, “I am prepared to halt my war ambitions because I wish to give peace a chance.” The upcoming meeting between the two Presidents is anticipated to coincide with the visit of U.S. President Joe Biden to Angola, highlighting international attention on the situation in DR Congo.
Biden’s visit aims to bolster U.S.-Angolan relations, emphasizing significant investments in the Lobito Corridor, a vital transportation route extending 1,300 kilometers from the Lobito port in Angola to the mineral-rich provinces of Lualaba and Haut-Katanga in DR Congo. This initiative is expected to facilitate the transport of valuable minerals, further tying both countries into global supply chains, especially in competition with China.
Furthermore, multiple sources in Angola suggest that Biden will discuss regional security issues concerning eastern DR Congo with Lourenço, reflecting the U.S. commitment to continued engagement in the resolution of this complex regional issue. Washington has acknowledged Angola’s mediation efforts and has consistently urged both Kinshasa and Kigali to cease their support for conflicting rebel groups.

In summary, the anticipated meeting between Presidents Kagame and Tshisekedi in Luanda represents a pivotal moment in addressing the complex conflict in eastern DR Congo. Facilitated by Angolan President João Lourenço, the meeting underscores the commitment of regional leaders to finding a sustainable resolution, amid ongoing accusations between both governments regarding support for rebel groups. As the regional security situation evolves, international attention, particularly from the United States, may play a crucial role in shaping outcomes. The aim is to foster dialogue and ultimately achieve lasting peace in the region.

Original Source: www.bbc.com