Kagame and Tshisekedi Set for Luanda Meeting to Address DR Congo Crisis
On December 15, 2024, Presidents Tshisekedi and Kagame will meet in Luanda to discuss the eastern DR Congo conflict. The meeting, mediated by Angola’s João Lourenço, seeks a sustainable peace solution. Concurrently, U.S. President Biden engages in discussions with Lourenço to enhance U.S.-Angola relations amidst regional instability.
On December 15, 2024, Rwandan President Paul Kagame and DR Congo’s President Félix Tshisekedi are scheduled to meet in Luanda to discuss the ongoing conflict in eastern DR Congo. This meeting has been facilitated by Angola’s President João Lourenço, who was appointed by the African Union as a mediator. After nearly ten months of negotiations, a date for their meeting has finally been confirmed.
The Angolan presidential office has indicated that the talks aim for a durable solution to the conflict in eastern DR Congo. Neither the Rwandan nor DR Congo governments have publicly commented on this meeting or their leaders’ participation. Lourenço’s mediation role was first assigned over a year ago.
This announcement follows discussions between foreign ministers from both countries regarding a shared document from experts outlining steps for a peace plan between DR Congo and Rwanda. It remains uncertain whether Kagame and Tshisekedi will sign any peace agreements during the December 15 meeting, which might represent a critical milestone in the Luanda discussions.
Previously, Kagame and Tshisekedi last met on the same issue in September 2022 in New York, facilitated by French President Emmanuel Macron during a UN General Assembly session. The ongoing accusations between the two nations continue, with DR Congo accusing Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebel group, and Rwanda accusing the Congolese government of aiding FDLR rebels. Both sides deny these charges, although they are acknowledged by UN experts.
Tshisekedi has firmly rejected negotiations with M23, asserting they are backed by Rwanda. Conversely, Rwanda refuses to negotiate with FDLR, recognizing them as a group responsible for committing genocide. During his election campaign, Tshisekedi expressed aggressive sentiments towards Rwanda but has softened his stance following his electoral victory, expressing a desire for peace despite acknowledging previous statements.
The upcoming meeting’s announcement coincides with a visit from U.S. President Joe Biden to Angola, his first trip to sub-Saharan Africa since becoming president. Discussions between Biden and President Lourenço are intended to strengthen U.S.-Angola relations, particularly regarding significant investments in the Lobito Corridor.
The Lobito Corridor, a crucial 1,300 km rail route from Lobito port in Angola to the mineral-rich areas of DR Congo and beyond to Zambia, is expected to facilitate the export of valuable resources like cobalt and lithium. The U.S. sees this investment as a strategic move against Chinese influence in the mineral markets. Biden is also likely to address security issues related to eastern DR Congo during his visit, underscoring the region’s geopolitical significance.
The upcoming December 15 meeting in Luanda between Presidents Kagame and Tshisekedi represents a critical step in seeking resolution to the ongoing conflict in eastern DR Congo. Facilitated by Angola’s president, this engagement reflects international efforts to mediate, despite persistent allegations and tensions between the two nations. Concurrently, U.S.-Angola relations appear to be strengthened through infrastructure initiatives, highlighting geopolitical interests in the mineral-rich region.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
