East African Gazette
Democratic Republic of Congo
After a meeting with Angolan President Joao Lourenco in Luanda, the capital city, Rwandan President Paul Kagame has finally agreed to meet with Felix Tshisekedi, the President of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), to address the ongoing crisis in the eastern region of the DRC.
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This information was disclosed by Angola’s Foreign Minister, Antonio Tete, following a meeting held on March 11.
The DRC has over time been accusing Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebels, a group primarily composed of fighters of Rwandan Tutsi origin. It is important to note that Congolese Tutsi constitute only 1-2% of the population in the Congo.
The M23 rebels are currently engaged in conflict with the Congolese armed forces in the eastern part of the DRC which has allegedly led to the displacement of around 500000 people in the North Kivu.
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The insurgents have allegedly seized control of several villages and towns close to Goma.
The eastern region of Congo is abundant in mineral resources.
But the Rwandan government, on the other hand, refutes allegations of backing the M23 rebels.
The African Union (AU) appointed the Angolan President Lourenco to mediate the diplomatic standoff between the two countries.
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Lourenco will now set a convenient date for the two heads of state to commence the mediation.
Tete revealed that ministerial delegations from both sides are working towards harmony with President Lourenço as mediator.
The UN peacekeeping mission in DRC, which has been helping in eastern part of DRC for more than two decades, will withdraw its forces by the end of 2024.