Following the announcement by French President Emmanuel Macron that he will officiate the nineteenth summit of heads of state and government of the Francophonie, to be held in Paris on 4 and 5 October, attention is turning to the planned discussions with Presidents Tshisekedi, Kagame and Lourenço. These meetings, initiated as part of the process of normalising relations between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, highlight the importance of diplomacy in promoting peace and resolving regional conflicts.
The crucial role of Angolan mediation, represented by President Lourenço, in the talks between Kinshasa and Kigali, highlights the need for regional cooperation to reach agreements that are beneficial to all parties involved. The discussions between the foreign ministers of the DRC and Rwanda, as well as the negotiations between the intelligence services of the two countries, illustrate the commitment to a process of de-escalation and disarmament of armed groups operating in the Great Lakes region.
At the 79th regular session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, President Tshisekedi called for the withdrawal of Rwandan troops from Congolese territory, stressing the importance of national sovereignty and regional security. The presence of the Rwanda Defense Forces in eastern DRC, documented by the United Nations, poses significant challenges to security and stability in the region, requiring concerted action and a diplomatic approach to resolve existing tensions.
France’s support for the disarmament and disengagement process of armed groups, such as the FDLR and M23, as well as the withdrawal of Rwandan forces from Congolese territory, reflects the international community’s commitment to peace and security in the Great Lakes region. The discussions planned at the Francophonie Summit in Paris offer a unique opportunity to strengthen ties between the various regional actors and promote constructive cooperation to resolve ongoing conflicts.
In conclusion, the meeting between Presidents Tshisekedi and Kagame, mediated by President Lourenço, within the framework of the Francophonie Summit in Paris, offers an important opportunity to move towards a peaceful resolution of tensions between the DRC and Rwanda. The commitment of regional leaders and the international community to peace and stability in the Great Lakes region is a significant step towards building a more secure and prosperous future for all countries in the region.