Tensions between the DRC and Rwanda: a meeting planned between Félix Tshisekedi and Paul Kagame
Paul Kagame welcomes Félix Tshisekedi at the Rubavu border post, in Rwanda, on June 25, 2021. AFP - SIMON WOHLFAHRT
Text by: RFI Follow
1 min
The Congolese and Rwandan presidents will meet in Luanda, Angola, this Wednesday, July 6, 2022, alongside Angolan President Joao Lourenço, appointed mediator by the African Union in the crisis between the two countries.
For months, Kinshasa has accused Kigali of supporting the M23 rebel group, which is in the midst of a resurgence in eastern DRC.
Support denied by Rwandans.
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The meeting should begin with a face to face, at midday, between Félix Tshisekedi and Paul Kagame, in the presence of Angolan President Joao Lourenço.
An extended bilateral will follow with delegations from both parties.
According to a reliable source, the Congolese president will arrive with members of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the army, immigration and intelligence.
Teams have already been in Luanda for several days to prepare the ground.
Clarification requested
According to a good connoisseur of the file, the Congolese side will demand one thing: that Rwanda clarify its links with the M23 and
end its support
.
“
The evidence is piling up.
This must stop and Kigali speak a language of truth
,” said a representative from Congo.
Kinshasa even claims to have presented evidence to the Angolan mediator.
On the Rwandan side, this Monday, Paul Kagame said “
wish the best to the DRC and Rwanda.
But if that doesn't happen, I'll always be ready for the worst
," he said at a press conference.
There is no doubt that he will come to Luanda with his own arguments.
"
We need peace
"
The president, who reaffirmed that the Rwandan Hutu rebels FDLR “
were fighting alongside Congolese soldiers.
We were hit by shells fired from the DRC.
But we need peace for our two countries
.
»
As for the East African force which is to be deployed in the Congo.
Kinshasa wants Rwanda to be excluded.
"
I have no problem with that
," said Paul Kagame.
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