In a significant diplomatic engagement, the Foreign Ministers of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) convened for a second round of high-level talks in Luanda, Angola, on Tuesday. The discussions focused on addressing the persistent security challenges in the eastern region of the DRC.
The Rwandan delegation was led by Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation. According to the Angolan news agency Angop, the meeting also included the DRC’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Christophe Lutundula, and was mediated by Angolan President João Lourenço.
The talks primarily revolved around the instability in eastern DRC, which has escalated into a complex conflict affecting the broader Great Lakes region. Although specific resolutions from the discussions have yet to be disclosed, an official announcement is anticipated this Wednesday, July 31, 2024.
This recent meeting follows a similar dialogue held in March 2024, where President Lourenço hosted the Foreign Ministers of both countries. Lourenço, who has been actively mediating the conflict, reiterated that the international community would not tolerate the DRC-Rwanda tensions escalating into full-scale warfare.
The eastern DRC has been marred by violence, with the DRC accusing Rwanda of supporting armed groups contributing to the region’s instability. Rwanda has consistently denied these allegations, pointing to deeper historical issues.
Rwanda has expressed its commitment to finding long-term, peaceful solutions to the conflict. “As a neighboring country, Rwanda will continue to seek lasting peace through diplomatic channels,” stated Ambassador Nduhungirehe.
The Luanda talks are a critical step in ongoing efforts to stabilize the region, with hopes that continued dialogue will lead to sustainable peace and cooperation between Rwanda and the DRC.
