KINSHASA – On Saturday, officials from the Democratic Republic of the Congo as well as Rwanda met in an attempt to end a political standoff in between two countries exacerbated by widespread disagreement near their common border.
The talks, held in Angola and mediated by Angolan President Joao Lourenco, come as strained relations in the Congo’s east deteriorate due to violence undertaken by the M23 rebel group, that has compelled tens of thousands to abandon their homes in a region that has seen little reprieve from unrest for decades.
Congo has long pointed a finger at Rwanda for supporting the Tutsi-led group that has been attacking the Congolese armed force close to the Rwandan border since 2012. Rwanda disputes this.
The dialogue, according to a combined statement issued late Saturday, would “sustain political dialogue in between authorities of the Democratic Republic of the Congo as well as the Republic of Rwanda as a solution to the political turmoil between the two brotherly nations.”
The dialogue will build on July discussions during which the two countries made a pledge to cease hostilities and eliminate M23 combatants from Congo.
Last month, the group began a new assault in North Kivu province and seized the strategic town of Kiwanja, triggering Congolese authorities to oust Rwanda’s ambassador.
Thousands engaged in anti-Rwanda protests in Goma last week.
