Angola urges Rwanda to withdraw troops from eastern Congo

Angola’s President Joao Lourenco has called for the immediate withdrawal of Rwandan troops from the Democratic Republic of Congo amid escalating clashes.

As the African Union’s mediator between Congo and Rwanda, Lourenco also urged the swift resumption of peace talks with the M23 rebels.

He expressed deep concern over the worsening situation in eastern Congo, where M23 rebels have reportedly seized control of Goma, the capital of North Kivu province.

The ongoing conflict has claimed at least 25 lives in Goma and nine in Rwanda, while hundreds have been injured in the fighting.

Seventeen peacekeepers lost their lives this week, including 13 from South Africa, three from Malawi, and one from the UN.

Despite claims from the M23 rebels that they control Goma, residents report the city remains contested between the army and the rebels.

Rwandan President Paul Kagame has repeatedly denied allegations that his government supports the M23 insurgents.

Lourenco emphasized that the occupation of Goma violates the Luanda Peace Process, which aims to bring stability to the region.

He recalled that in meetings with Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and Kagame last year, both leaders had agreed on a ceasefire and Rwanda’s military withdrawal.

Meanwhile, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa reaffirmed his country’s commitment to respecting Congo’s territorial integrity.

“The territorial integrity of the DRC must be respected in line with the United Nations Charter,” Ramaphosa stated.

He held discussions with Kagame about the mounting violence and the loss of peacekeepers, stressing the urgent need for a ceasefire.

Ramaphosa extended condolences to the families of the fallen troops, honoring their sacrifice in the pursuit of peace.

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