The presidents of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda are set to meet in Angola on Sunday for a crucial round of peace talks aimed at ending the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC. The region has been destabilized by the resurgence of the M23 rebel group, which is backed by Rwanda, and various other armed groups.
The M23, a predominantly Tutsi group, has seized significant territory in eastern DRC, displacing thousands of civilians and triggering a humanitarian crisis. Despite a fragile truce brokered by Angola in August, clashes have intensified in recent months.
Angolan President João Lourenço, who is mediating the peace process, expressed optimism about the upcoming summit, hoping it will lead to a lasting peace agreement between the two neighboring countries.
Both Rwandan President Paul Kagame and Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi have confirmed their attendance at the talks. While Tshisekedi has previously refused to negotiate directly with Rwanda, the growing humanitarian crisis and international pressure may have prompted a change in stance.
The primary sticking point in the peace process remains the issue of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a Rwandan Hutu rebel group operating in eastern DRC. Rwanda views the FDLR as a security threat, while the DRC has demanded that the group be dismantled before Rwandan troops withdraw from Congolese territory.
The two countries have formed a joint committee to monitor ceasefire violations and have agreed on a strategic document outlining the terms for Rwandan troop withdrawal and the neutralization of the FDLR. However, the specific timeline and conditions for these actions remain subject to negotiation.
The upcoming summit in Angola offers a critical opportunity to resolve the longstanding conflict and bring stability to eastern DRC. The international community is closely watching the talks, hoping for a breakthrough that will end the violence and suffering of the region’s population.
