Rwanda, Angola Team Up to Resolve DRC Conflict

January 31, 2025

(3 Minutes Read)

Amid rising tensions in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Rwandan President Paul Kagame and Angolan President João Lourenço have decided to collaborate on finding a lasting resolution to the ongoing crisis. This announcement came after a phone call between the two leaders on Thursday evening. President Lourenço, who is acting as the African Union (AU) mediator for the DRC and Rwanda, had previously called for the withdrawal of Rwandan forces from the DRC.

In a social media statement, President Kagame stressed the importance of a long-term, sustainable solution to the crisis and reiterated his commitment to collaborating with others in Africa to address the situation while strengthening bilateral relations moving forward. Rwanda has faced accusations of backing the M23 rebel group, which it strongly denies. The recent surge in violence, particularly the M23’s capture of the strategic city of Goma, has significantly worsened the humanitarian crisis.

On Wednesday, President Lourenço expressed serious concern about the developments in eastern DRC, especially the M23’s occupation of Goma, which he described as a significant breach of the Luanda Peace Process established earlier this year between the DRC and Rwanda.

The conflict has tragically resulted in numerous civilian casualties and the displacement of thousands. Additionally, the UN has reported the deaths of 17 peacekeepers, including 13 from South Africa and three from Malawi.