Lourenço serves as the African Union-appointed mediator in the ongoing Luanda Process aimed at addressing tensions between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The visit comes amid rising tensions between Rwanda and DRC, following the resurgence of fighting between the M23 rebel group and the Congolese Army.
DRC has accused Rwanda of supporting the rebels, a claim strongly denied by Kigali, which instead urges DRC to address its internal issues without implicating Rwanda.
Rwanda has also criticized DRC for its collaboration with the FDLR, a terrorist group, which threatens Rwanda's security.
Minister Antonio's arrival follows the postponement of Luanda talks between Presidents Lourenço, Kagame, and DRC's President Félix Tshisekedi, which were set for December 15, 2024.
The postponement occurred after DRC's ministerial delegation refused to engage in talks with the M23, despite earlier commitments to do so through the "Nairobi Process," led by former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta.
DRC's reversal on the talks has delayed progress on critical issues, including plans to dismantle the FDLR and remove Rwanda's security measures at its border.
Despite the setback, Angola's Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed President Lourenço's continued commitment to mediating efforts aimed at ensuring peace and stability in eastern DRC and the broader region.
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/president-kagame-receives-special-envoy-from-angolan-counterpart
