Key DRC-Rwanda talks postponed amid tensions over eastern Congo conflict

By Byobe Malenga and James Tasamba

KINSHASA, Democratic Republic of Congo / KIGALI, Rwanda (AA) — Crucial talks between Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) President Felix Tshisekedi and his Rwandan counterpart Paul Kagame, aimed at ending the conflict in eastern Congo, were postponed on Sunday, officials said.

Angolan President Joao Lourenco, serving as the African Union mediator, held one-on-one talks with Tshisekedi before extending the discussions to their respective delegations. However, the summit was canceled after the Rwandan delegation declined to participate, according to the Congolese presidency.

The talks were aimed at securing an agreement to halt ongoing fighting in eastern Congo, where M23 rebels have been battling government forces.

According to the Congolese presidency, during an earlier meeting of foreign ministers on Saturday, Rwanda insisted on including direct dialogue between the DRC and the M23 rebels as a condition for signing an agreement, a proposal the Congolese delegation rejected.

Rwanda, meanwhile, attributed the postponement to “unresolved critical issues,” saying the summit would not have yielded a viable resolution.

In a statement, the Rwandan Foreign Ministry said the delay allows for further dialogue under Angolan President Lourenco’s mediation, potentially involving former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta to facilitate talks between the Congolese government and M23.

However, Congolese Communications Minister Patrick Muyaya reiterated his government’s stance: “We will never negotiate with the auxiliaries, M23 terrorists.”

Rwanda reiterated that Congo must take serious measures against Rwandan rebels, specifically the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), an armed group operating in the eastern DRC.

“Rwanda remains ready to participate in a summit that would establish a serious and concrete path to resolve these outstanding issues once and for all,” the Rwandan statement concluded.

Tensions between the two nations have escalated over accusations of mutual support for opposing armed groups. Kigali denies allegations of backing the M23 rebels, while accusing the Congolese army of collaborating with the FDLR in operations against M23.

A cease-fire brokered in July under Angolan mediation has since been broken down. Fighting between Congolese forces and M23 intensified last Friday.