KIGALI/KINSHASA, Nov 2 (NNN-NEWVISION) — The President of Angola, Joao Lourenco, has sent a special envoy to the President of Rwanda, Paul Kagame, and his counterpart, Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
In separate meetings, Angola’s Minister of External Relations, Antonio Tete, delivered what officials described as a “special message” to the two East African Community (EAC) leaders as the tension between Kigali and Kinshasa continues to build up.
“This afternoon at Urugwiro village, President Kagame received … Antonio Tete, who is in Rwanda with a message from… Lourenco of Angola, who is currently serving as chairperson of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR),” a statement issued by the Rwandan government said.
The special envoy from Angola first held talks with Tshisekedi in Kinshasa before heading to Kigali on Oct 31.
“Tete Antonio said his message is part of the permanent consultations between the two heads of state on bilateral co-operation, but also on issues related to peace and security in the east of the DRC,” DRC government officials said.
Over the weekend, the DRC expelled the Rwandan envoy, Vincent Karega.
DRC officials allege that Rwanda supports the M23 rebels. On the other hand, Rwanda also alleges that the DRC supports the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a rebel group Kigali accuses of inciting genocide tendencies.
To ease the tension, Tshisekedi and Kagame in July held face-to-face talks in Luanda, Angola, under the mediation of the President of Angola, Joao Lourenco.
Commenting on his visit to DRC and Rwanda, Antonio Tete said: “President Lourenco had received a mandate to mediate between DR Congo and Rwanda.” He continues his efforts in this context, in the circumstances of today. He was clear in Dakar when he took part in the conference on security in Africa that he would continue to work in a way that peace returns to the sub-region. ”
“Angola is an immediate neighbor of the DRC.” In the African culture, when something is happening in a neighbor’s house, we also feel concerned. It is necessary to go and see the neighbor to be informed to see how to overcome the situation,” Antonio Tete added.
Kagame has also held talks with the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres over the eastern DR Congo conflict.
“A 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 apply them,” Kagame said in a tweet on Oct 31. — NNN-NEWVISION
