KIGALI, Nov 1 (NNN-NEWVISION) — The President of Rwanda, Paul Kagame and United Nations (UN) Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, have held talks over the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) conflict.
According to Kagame, the discussion centred on how to peacefully end the emerging tension in the east of DRC.
“Few hours ago, I had a good discussion with the UNSG on the conflict in eastern DRC. The ways and means to de-escalate and address the issues to a peaceful end are with us building on the Nairobi, Luanda and other international efforts! We just have to commit ourselves to applying them,” Kagame said in a tweet on Monday.
The discussions have come against the backdrop of renewed tension between DRC and Rwanda over M23 rebels, who this week occupied more territories in eastern DR Congo.
Over the weekend, DRC expelled the Rwandan envoy, Vincent Karega.
A statement issued by Rwanda noted that the expulsion of Karega was a “regrettable” move.
“Rwanda notes with regret the decision by the Government of the DRC to expel Rwandan Ambassador Vincent Karega. Rwandan security forces at our border with the DRC remain on alert, as we continue to monitor the Congolese escalation,” Rwandan officials said in a statement.
DRC officials allege that Rwanda supports M23 rebels. On the other hand, Rwanda also alleges that DRC supports the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a rebel group Kigali accuses of inciting genocide tendencies.
To ease the tension, DRC President Felix Tshisekedi and his Rwandan counterpart, Kagame, this year in July held face-to-face talks in Luanda, Angola under the mediation of the President of Angola, Joao Lourenco, who is also the chairperson of the International Conference of Great Lakes Region (ICGLR).
The East African Community (EAC) leaders under the Nairobi Conclave are also conducting deliberations to pacify eastern Congo.
Eastern Congo is a haven to over 100-armed rebel groups, including the ADF, Red Tabara, Mayi-Mayi, M23, the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), CODECO and FOREBU. — NNN-NEWVISION
