Tshisekedi Agrees to Meet Kagame Under Angolan Mediation

Democratic Republic of Congo President Félix Tshisekedi has agreed to meet with his Rwandan counterpart, President Paul Kagame, in a significant development aimed at easing tensions between their nations. 

This breakthrough follows a diplomatic effort led by Angolan President João Lourenço, who has been appointed as the mediator by the African Union.

The acceptance of the meeting principle was announced after a crucial discussion between President Tshisekedi and President Lourenço in Luanda on Tuesday. Angolan Minister of Foreign Relations, Tete António, conveyed Tshisekedi’s commitment to engage in talks with Kagame to address the ongoing tensions between the two neighboring countries.

“The Republic of Angola, as the mediator, has the responsibility to facilitate the next steps to make this meeting a reality,” stated Minister António. However, he refrained from divulging specific details regarding the proposed meeting, citing the sensitive nature of the negotiations.

António emphasized that President Kagame has not set any preconditions for the meeting, signaling a willingness from both sides to engage in constructive dialogue. President Lourenço is slated to meet President Kagame next month, further underscoring the commitment to finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

The recent series of discussions follow a mini-summit initiated by President Lourenço during the African Union summit in Addis Ababa. The aim of these meetings is to foster lasting peace in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo and the broader Congo region.

While details remain scarce, Minister António assured that Angola, as the mediator, would work diligently to facilitate the meeting between the Congolese and Rwandan leaders. The focus remains on achieving a sustainable solution that ensures peace and stability in the region.

As tensions persist, the willingness of both parties to come to the table offers a glimmer of hope for a peaceful resolution to the longstanding conflict between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda. All eyes are now on the forthcoming meeting as efforts to de-escalate the situation gain momentum under Angolan mediation.