Rwanda has explained its decision to skip the tripartite summit scheduled for December 15 in Luanda, citing a failure to reach consensus with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on direct talks with the M23 rebel group.
The summit, which was to bring together President Paul Kagame of Rwanda, Félix Tshisekedi of the DRC, and Angola’s João Lourenço, was ultimately canceled.
In a statement, Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its position, emphasizing its readiness to engage in future discussions that prioritize concrete solutions to longstanding tensions in the region.
Lack of Agreement Derails Summit
“During the ministerial meeting held in Luanda on December 14, 2024, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo were unable to agree on a commitment to direct talks with the Congolese rebel group M23, aimed at finding a political solution to the conflict in eastern DRC,” read the statement from Kigali.
The Rwandan delegation also expressed skepticism about the potential outcomes of the summit.
“This summit would not have resulted in an agreement,” the statement added, highlighting concerns that the proposed discussions lacked a serious and practical framework to address unresolved issues.
The meeting’s agenda included addressing the withdrawal of Rwandan troops allegedly present in Congolese territories.
However, Rwanda’s non-participation led to the summit’s cancellation, sparking criticism from Kinshasa.
Congolese Presidency Criticizes Rwanda
The Congolese Presidency condemned Rwanda’s absence, describing it as a missed opportunity to end the violence between the Congolese army and the M23 rebels.
Kinshasa has repeatedly accused Kigali of supporting the M23, allegations that Rwanda has firmly denied.
“The objective of this summit was to find a pathway to end hostilities and violence,” a Congolese official stated, reiterating long-standing grievances against Rwanda.
Deepening Tensions
Tensions between Rwanda and the DRC have persisted for years, fueled by conflicts in eastern DRC where various armed groups, including the M23, operate.
Kigali maintains that it only supports regional security efforts, while Kinshasa continues to accuse its neighbor of backing insurgent forces to further its own interests.
The failure of the Luanda summit underscores the challenges of resolving the geopolitical and security complexities in the region.
With accusations flying from both sides and ceasefire agreements repeatedly falling apart, the path to peace remains uncertain.
Rwanda, for its part, has reaffirmed its willingness to participate in future summits if they are designed to deliver tangible and lasting solutions.
