President Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and President Salva Kiir of South Sudan, currently serving as the President of the East African Community (EAC/EAC), convened a closed-door meeting to address the escalating tensions between the DRC and Rwanda. The meeting, held at President Tshisekedi’s residence in Mont-Ngaliema, underscores the gravity of the situation and the urgent need for diplomatic intervention.
Sources close to the meeting revealed that the discussions primarily focused on the recent flare-up of tensions along the border between the DRC and Rwanda, sparked by allegations of incursions and territorial disputes. Both President Tshisekedi and President Kiir expressed deep concern over the potential ramifications of the escalating tensions on regional stability and reiterated their commitment to finding a peaceful resolution.
The closed-door nature of the meeting indicates the sensitivity of the issue at hand and the desire of the two leaders to deliberate candidly and strategize without external interference. Despite the challenges posed by the DRC-Rwanda tensions, Presidents Tshisekedi and Kiir are reportedly optimistic about the prospects of de-escalation through diplomatic channels.
Following the closed-door session, the two leaders convened a small-format dinner with a select group of ministers and close collaborators, where informal discussions on potential avenues for conflict resolution continued.
The timing of the meeting, just a day before scheduled talks between Presidents Tshisekedi and Kiir and their official delegations, suggests a sense of urgency in addressing the DRC-Rwanda tensions and underscores the proactive approach adopted by regional leaders to prevent further escalation.
