Presidents Kagame and Tshisekedi will meet in Luanda on December 15, 2024, to discuss conflict resolution in Eastern DRC, facilitated by Angolan President João Lourenço. This meeting signifies a critical step towards peace amid ongoing tensions and accusations of international interference. It coincides with President Biden’s visit to Angola, focusing on U.S.-Angolan relations and regional security concerns.
In a significant diplomatic development, Presidents Paul Kagame of Rwanda and Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) are set to meet in Luanda on December 15, 2024, to discuss the ongoing conflict in Eastern DRC, as reported by Angola’s presidential office. This meeting has been facilitated by Angolan President João Lourenço, who has been serving as a mediator since early this year. This marks the first official date confirmed after several months of negotiation concerning this troubled region.
The Angolan presidential office described the gathering as part of a continued effort to seek a lasting solution to the violence in Eastern DRC. However, neither Rwanda nor DRC has publicly commented on this upcoming meeting or the participation of their leaders. The plan for this meeting follows recent discussions between foreign ministers from both nations, who endorsed a framework for peace plans between DRC and Rwanda, according to reports from Angolan news sources.
It remains unclear whether Presidents Kagame and Tshisekedi will sign a peace agreement during the December 15 meeting, though such a gesture is anticipated as a crucial step in these negotiations highlighted under the Luanda process. Previously, the two leaders last met on this issue in September 2022, coordinated by French President Emmanuel Macron on the sidelines of a UN General Assembly.
Relations between Rwanda and DRC have been strained, with accusations exchanged. The DRC government has accused Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebel group, while Rwanda has countered with allegations of DRC backing the FDLR militia, both sides denying the charges despite acknowledgment from UN experts. Tshisekedi has firmly refused to negotiate with M23, affirming that Rwanda is the driving force behind this group, while Kigali has denounced engagement with FDLR terrorists, claiming they were involved in the 1994 genocide.
As Tshisekedi campaigns ahead of the December 2023 elections, he has expressed strong sentiments towards Rwanda, remarking that discussions between the two leaders would occur only under divine judgment. Nevertheless, following his electoral victory, he has moderated his stance, expressing a willingness to pursue peace over conflict for a favorable resolution to the ongoing tensions.
The announcement of this meeting tightly coincides with President Joe Biden’s planned visit to Angola, during which he is expected to meet with President Lourenço. This visit marks Biden’s first trip to sub-Saharan Africa as president and aims to strengthen U.S.-Angolan relations, particularly through a significant investment in the Lobito Corridor project. This initiative spans 1,300 kilometers from New Lobito port, aiming for enhanced connectivity and resource transport, including cobalt and copper, from DRC to European and American markets. Such infrastructure endeavors are viewed as a strategic response to China’s growing influences in the region.
Biden’s agenda also includes discussions on regional security concerns relating to Eastern DRC, a resource-rich area valued by major powers such as the U.S. and China. Washington has repeatedly praised Angola’s role as a mediator in the DRC matter, urging both Kinshasa and Kigali to cease supporting armed groups thereby facilitating a peaceful dialogue.
The upcoming meeting between Presidents Kagame and Tshisekedi represents a pivotal step toward addressing the longstanding conflict in Eastern DRC. While uncertainties remain about the outcomes and potential agreements, the involvement of Angolan President João Lourenço as a mediator and concurrent discussions during Biden’s visit underline the urgency of stabilizing the region. The path forward appears contingent on diplomatic engagement and negotiations aimed at ensuring lasting peace.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
