Angolan president takes lead in resolving DRC-Rwanda crisis

From his base in Luanda, Lourenço has engaged in a series of emergency consultations with DRC President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame, aiming to find a lasting solution to the long-standing conflict.

High-Stakes Mediation Efforts

As the chair of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), João Lourenço holds a pivotal role in mediating the conflict that has ravaged eastern DRC.

Recent talks in Luanda offered a glimmer of hope, but disagreements over the interpretation of key outcomes soon resurfaced, leaving the two nations at odds.

The Congolese government accuses Rwanda of backing the M23 rebel group, which has been responsible for multiple attacks on Congolese territory.

Rwanda, however, denies these claims and counters by accusing the DRC of harboring elements of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a rebel group that has launched cross-border incursions into Rwanda.

Dispute Over Military Withdrawal

Central to the talks is the contentious issue of the presence of Rwandan troops in the DRC. During a ministerial meeting on October 12, 2024, reports suggested that Rwanda had agreed to withdraw 4,000 of its soldiers stationed in Congolese territory.

This information was positively received by Kinshasa and echoed by DRC Prime Minister Judith Suminwa.

However, Rwanda’s Foreign Minister, Olivier Nduhungirihe, swiftly denied the existence of any such agreement, labeling the reports as “completely unfounded.”

The conflicting narratives have fueled uncertainty over the future of the peace talks, as both sides remain firmly entrenched in their positions.

Angola’s Search for a Concrete Solution

In the face of these challenges, Angola is set to propose a strategic document known as the “Concept of Operations” (Conops) by October 26, 2024.

This plan aims to outline a practical roadmap addressing the concerns of both the DRC and Rwanda, with the goal of preventing further escalation.

A crucial meeting scheduled for October 30 in Luanda will assess the viability of the proposed solutions and the prospects for long-term peace in the troubled region.

A Regional Crisis with Global Implications

The conflict in eastern DRC extends beyond the borders of the Congo, threatening the stability of the entire Great Lakes region.

The international community, including the European Union, had initially welcomed the progress made during the Luanda negotiations.

However, with unresolved disputes over troop withdrawals and the involvement of armed groups, the path to peace remains fraught with challenges.

The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether these diplomatic efforts can finally bring an end to the ongoing crisis.