DRC: President Cyril Ramaphosa and his Angolan counterpart João Lourenço to meet on Thursday to discuss security situation in North Kivu

The security crisis ravaging the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) continues to pose significant challenges, despite ongoing diplomatic efforts.

Today, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is visiting Luanda for crucial talks with Angolan President João Lourenço, who has been appointed by the African Union as the mediator in the conflict between Kinshasa and Kigali.

This meeting comes at a critical time, as the recent signing of a ceasefire has yet to bring stability to the troubled region.

Last week, DRC’s Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner and her Rwandan counterpart Olivier Nduhungirehe met in Luanda under João Lourenço’s mediation to discuss peace terms.

These talks resulted in a ceasefire agreement between the Congolese army and the M23 rebels, which took effect at midnight on Sunday, August 4, 2024.

The ceasefire, monitored by the Ad-Hoc Verification Mechanism, bolstered by intelligence experts from the DRC, Rwanda, and other entities, offers a glimmer of hope for lasting peace in the region.

However, the reality on the ground remains dire. The Armed Forces of the DRC continue to face significant challenges against the M23 rebels, who, according to multiple United Nations reports, are supported by the regime of Paul Kagame.

Despite the ceasefire agreement, the M23 continues to advance, causing widespread devastation and fear in the villages of North Kivu.

Given this alarming situation, it is essential that all parties involved in the crisis strictly adhere to their commitments.

The international community, the United Nations, and neighboring countries must intensify their efforts to ensure the terms of the ceasefire are fully respected. The discussions initiated in Luanda under Angolan mediation must lead to concrete actions on the ground.

The people of the DRC, exhausted by decades of conflict, deserve to finally live in peace.

Regional and international actors must demonstrate responsibility and a sincere commitment to ending this cycle of violence.

Respecting the ceasefire agreements and halting hostilities immediately are crucial steps toward paving the way for lasting peace in eastern DRC.

Jean-Robert Tchandy