Fatshimetrie
The meeting between Presidents Félix Tshisekedi and Denis Sassou N’Guesso in Brazzaville in December 2024 revealed the importance of economic, climate and security issues in the sub-region. While the ongoing crisis in the East of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) remains a major concern, the two heads of state discussed ways to find lasting solutions.
This meeting was an opportunity for Denis Sassou N’Guesso to welcome the mediation efforts made by Angolan President João Lourenço within the framework of the Luanda process. By encouraging the parties to favor negotiations as a means of resolving conflicts, he stressed the importance of diplomacy in the search for peace.
Félix Tshisekedi, for his part, outlined the situation in the East of his country and reaffirmed his commitment to the Luanda process. Bilateral relations between the DRC and Congo were welcomed, and the conclusions of the Special Joint Commission on Defense and Security were highlighted as the result of fruitful cooperation.
This meeting takes place in a context marked by the cancellation of the tripartite meeting in Luanda, due to deep differences between the DRC and Rwanda. The issue of direct dialogue with the M23 rebel group remains a sticking point, highlighting the challenges facing the region.
While negotiations are stagnating, the situation on the ground remains critical with attacks by M23 rebels in North Kivu. Despite the ceasefire agreement, violence continues, leading to a worrying diplomatic impasse. Calls for pacification are increasing, highlighting the urgency of finding lasting solutions to put an end to the violence.
Faced with these security challenges, international partners urge the parties to intensify their efforts and use the ongoing dialogue mechanisms. The importance of regional cooperation and diplomacy in the search for peaceful solutions was underlined, highlighting the need for concerted action to achieve stability.
In sum, the meeting between Félix Tshisekedi and Denis Sassou N’Guesso highlighted the importance of regional and international cooperation in resolving security crises in Central Africa. While challenges remain numerous, hope for lasting peace remains, provided that diplomatic efforts are sustained and strengthened to meet the aspirations for peace and stability in the region.