Kagame and Lourenço Discuss Long-Term Solution for DRC’s Growing Insecurity

President Paul Kagame and Angolan President João Lourenço recently held talks on the escalating security crisis in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The two leaders discussed how to find a lasting solution to the ongoing violence in the region, committing to work together with other African nations to address the issue.

The talks come after the M23 rebel group seized the city of Goma, a key city in DRC’s North Kivu province, following intense fighting. Some world leaders have accused Rwanda of supporting the rebels, a claim Rwanda continues to deny.

During a recent meeting of East African Community (EAC) leaders, President Kagame expressed concern about the silence of some leaders on the issue, which he believes is driven by personal interests rather than a desire for peace. He also addressed EAC nations that have sent troops to support the DRC government, but are cooperating with the FDLR militia, which includes individuals involved in Rwanda’s 1994 genocide. Kagame pointed out that such actions were not resolving the conflict as expected.

Kagame’s conversation with Lourenço, which took place on January 30, 2025, emphasized the need for a long-term and sustainable resolution to the conflict. Kagame said, “We reaffirmed our commitment to working with others on the continent to find a solution, and we also discussed continuing to strengthen the strong cooperation between our two countries in the future.”

The situation in eastern DRC has worsened, with M23 controlling more territory in North Kivu, including Goma. Thousands of people have been displaced, and many have fled to neighboring countries like Rwanda.

An extraordinary EAC summit on January 29, 2025, focused on the conflict. The leaders expressed alarm at the growing insecurity in DRC, including violent protests, attacks on foreign embassies, and looting. They called for an immediate ceasefire to allow humanitarian aid to reach those affected by the fighting.

The summit also urged the DRC government to engage in peace talks with all parties, including the M23 rebels and other armed groups.

President Kagame added that many Rwandans had been killed by shelling from Goma, pledging to address the situation. He criticized the international community for failing to take meaningful action to resolve the crisis.

Kagame also called out South Africa for its role in the conflict, accusing it of supporting DRC’s government while fighting alongside forces accused of human rights violations.

As the situation continues to deteriorate, M23 has vowed to march on Kinshasa to remove President Félix Tshisekedi from power, despite his announcement that he would intensify military action against the group.

The crisis in DRC remains a deeply complex issue, but Kagame and Lourenço’s discussions reflect growing hopes for a peaceful resolution in the near future.