The tripartite summit scheduled for Luanda on 15 December 2024 was to be a crucial meeting for the resolution of the conflict between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda. Under the mediation of Angolan President João Lourenço, this event was supposed to mark a significant step towards peace in the Great Lakes region. Unfortunately, the postponement of the meeting at the last moment cast a shadow over hopes of finding a viable solution to the deep tensions that persist.
The main stumbling block at this summit was the question of direct dialogue with the M23 rebel group. On the one hand, the Democratic Republic of Congo categorically refused this option, describing the M23 as a terrorist group and rejecting any negotiation with them. On the other hand, Rwanda insisted on the need to engage in dialogue with the M23 to address the underlying causes of the conflict in eastern DRC. These diametrically opposed positions have prevented the conclusion of an agreement and have highlighted the deep divergences between the parties.
The DRC has strongly accused Rwanda of supporting the M23 and of trying to torpedo the peace process by introducing this condition of direct dialogue. For Kinshasa, this demand was unacceptable and amounted to an attempt to destabilize the region. On the other hand, Rwanda has denied these allegations and stressed that dialogue with the M23 is an essential component to achieve a lasting solution to the conflict.
The Angolan mediation, embodied by João Lourenço, has welcomed the progress made so far, notably on the ceasefire and the elimination of the FDLR. However, the persistent disagreement on the M23 has been a source of major concern and has jeopardized previous progress. In this context, the international community may be led to redouble its efforts to maintain pressure on both countries and avoid an escalation of the conflict.
In sum, the postponement of the tripartite in Luanda has highlighted the major challenges facing the DRC and Rwanda in their quest for peace. Divergent interests and mutual accusations have complicated the mediation process and highlighted the deep tensions that persist in the Great Lakes region. In the face of this impasse, it is imperative that the parties demonstrate political will and compromise to find a peaceful solution to this conflict that affects millions of people.