Upcoming Peace Summit: Kagame and Tshisekedi to Meet in Angola on December 15, 2024

Angola has set a meeting between Presidents Kagame of Rwanda and Tshisekedi of DR Congo for December 15, 2024, to discuss the conflict in Eastern DRC. This summit is facilitated by Angolan President João Lourenço and follows previous diplomatic efforts over ten months. The meeting aims to continue seeking peace amid elevated tensions between the two nations.

Angola has announced that Presidents Paul Kagame of Rwanda and Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) are scheduled to meet in Luanda on December 15, 2024, to address the ongoing conflict in Eastern DRC. This meeting has been facilitated by Angolan President João Lourenço, who has been working to bring the two leaders together since early this year. After ten months of discussions, it has finally been confirmed that the meeting will take place.

In a statement, the Angolan presidency indicated that the purpose of this summit is to continue efforts for a lasting resolution to the violence in Eastern DRC. As of now, neither the Rwandan nor the DRC government has publicly commented on the planned meeting or the participation of their respective leaders. Lourenço was appointed by the African Union as a mediator over a year ago on this matter.

The announcement follows a recent agreement between foreign affairs officials from both DRC and Rwanda regarding a peace agreement, as reported by Angolan news agencies. It remains uncertain whether Tshisekedi and Kagame will sign peace accords during their upcoming meeting; this step is considered a significant milestone in their negotiations in Luanda.

Previously, Kagame and Tshisekedi met last in September 2022, facilitated by French President Emmanuel Macron during the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Tensions remain high, with DRC accusing Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebel group, while Rwanda claims DRC is backing the FDLR militia, both sides denying these accusations despite UN findings supporting the claims.

Throughout his campaign, Tshisekedi has repeatedly claimed he would never negotiate with M23, asserting it is controlled by Rwanda. Conversely, Kagame has stated he will not engage with FDLR, a group implicated in the Rwandan genocide. Following an initial confrontational stance during his campaign in December 2023, Tshisekedi has moderated his language post-election, expressing a willingness to pursue peace rather than conflict.

The announcement of this meeting aligns closely with U.S. President Joe Biden’s 72-hour visit to Angola, which aims to strengthen relations and involves discussions with Lourenço on various issues, including the security situation in Eastern DRC. This visit is also focused on advancing significant U.S. investment into infrastructure projects, particularly the Lobito Corridor, which is intended to improve trade connectivity with resource-rich regions in DRC as well as Zambia.

In conclusion, the upcoming summit on December 15, 2024, between Presidents Kagame and Tshisekedi in Luanda represents a critical opportunity to address the protracted conflict in Eastern DRC. Facilitated by President Lourenço, the meeting aims to explore avenues for sustainable peace amid ongoing tensions and mutual accusations. The backdrop of President Biden’s visit underscores the geopolitical significance of the region and the involvement of external powers in seeking resolution. The outcome of this meeting may have far-reaching implications for regional stability.

Original Source: www.bbc.com