Kagame and Tshisekedi Scheduled to Meet in Luanda Amidst Ongoing…

Presidents Paul Kagame and Félix Tshisekedi will meet on December 15, 2024, in Luanda, facilitated by Angolan President João Lourenço, to discuss the conflict in eastern DR Congo. Their previous attempts at dialogue, the backdrop of mutual accusations, and the timing with U.S. President Biden’s visit highlight the importance of resolving regional tensions. The outcome may significantly impact ongoing peace efforts and geopolitical relations.

President Paul Kagame of Rwanda and Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) are set to meet in Luanda on December 15, 2024, to discuss the ongoing conflict in eastern DR Congo. This meeting has been orchestrated by Angolan President João Lourenço, who has been working to facilitate talks between the two leaders. Earlier this year, Angola confirmed that both presidents had consented to meet “soon”, and after nearly ten months, the date has finally been announced.

The Angolan presidential office stated that the meeting aims to continue efforts to achieve a lasting solution to the conflicts in eastern DR Congo. Neither the Rwandan nor the DR Congolese government has made any official comments regarding the announcement or their attendance at this meeting. This gathering comes after Lourenço was appointed by the African Union as mediator over a year ago.

The announcement follows a recent meeting between the foreign ministers of DR Congo and Rwanda, who reviewed a framework for peace negotiations between the two nations. It remains uncertain whether Tshisekedi and Kagame will sign peace agreements during the December 15 meeting, a step believed to be crucial for ongoing discussions in Luanda.

Kagame and Tshisekedi last met on this issue in September 2022, along with French President Emmanuel Macron at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The allegations between the two nations persist, with DR Congo accusing Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebel group, while Rwanda counters by accusing DR Congo of backing the FDLR, a rebel group opposed to its government.

President Tshisekedi has often reiterated that discussions with M23 would be unviable since he perceives it as being backed by Rwanda. Conversely, Kigali has voiced it will not negotiate with FDLR, which is deemed responsible for the Rwandan genocide. In his December 12, 2023 campaigning, Tshisekedi made strong statements, indicating potential military action against Rwanda, but softened his tone after his election, expressing a willingness to pursue peace instead of conflict.

The announcement of the meeting occurs just before U.S. President Joe Biden’s visit to Angola, where he intends to discuss and strengthen relations between the United States and Angola. His trip is focused on a substantial investment project concerning the Lobito Corridor, which is projected to facilitate the transport of valuable minerals from Angola to markets in Europe and America. Furthermore, Biden is anticipated to discuss security issues in eastern DR Congo with President Lourenço during this visit, highlighting the region’s critical importance due to its mineral wealth.

In summary, the upcoming meeting between Presidents Kagame and Tshisekedi is a significant step towards addressing the ongoing conflict in eastern DR Congo, facilitated by Angolan President João Lourenço. It reflects continued efforts towards peace and stability in the region. This context is further amplified by international attention, including the involvement of the United States, as illustrated by President Biden’s upcoming visit. The outcomes of these discussions could influence regional relations and security dynamics substantially.

Original Source: www.bbc.com