As tensions continue to rise in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Rwandan President Paul Kagame and Angolan President João Lourenço have vowed to work together to find a lasting solution to the conflict. Their commitment follows a phone conversation on Thursday evening, where they discussed the deteriorating security situation and the urgent need for regional collaboration.
President Lourenço, who serves as the African Union (AU) mediator between Rwanda and the DRC, had earlier called for the withdrawal of Rwandan troops from Congolese territory. In a statement issued on Wednesday, he expressed growing international concern over allegations that Rwanda is supporting the M23 rebel group. Kigali has repeatedly denied these accusations.
Following his discussion with Lourenço, President Kagame reaffirmed his stance on seeking a sustainable solution to the crisis. In a social media statement, he emphasized the importance of long-term peace efforts, noting that both leaders had agreed to work closely with other African partners to restore stability. He also underscored the need to strengthen bilateral relations between Rwanda and Angola as part of the broader peace initiative.
Meanwhile, fighting in eastern DRC has intensified, with the M23 capturing Goma, a strategic city near the Rwandan border. The rebel group’s advance has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis, displacing thousands of civilians and increasing fears of a wider regional conflict.
President Lourenço has condemned the latest developments, calling the occupation of Goma a direct violation of the Luanda Peace Process, a framework established earlier this year to ease hostilities between Rwanda and the DRC.
The ongoing violence has claimed the lives of numerous civilians and displaced tens of thousands. The United Nations has also reported the deaths of 17 peacekeepers, including 13 from South Africa and three from Malawi, further highlighting the devastating impact of the conflict.
As diplomatic efforts intensify, regional and international stakeholders are closely monitoring the situation, with calls for urgent intervention to prevent further escalation.