Regional leaders confer on DR Congo crisis

The presidents of the neighboring Congolese countries are discussing the M23 conflict and regional security

President Denis Sassou Nguesso of the Republic of the Congo (Congo) and President Felix Tshisekedi of the neighboring Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) have held discussions on a solution to the conflict in eastern DR Congo, the Nguesso administration announced on Sunday.

Tshisekedi arrived in Oyo, located in the central Congo, on Saturday. The two leaders subsequently held a one-on-one meeting; the security crisis in eastern DR Congo was the central focus of their talks.

According to Brazzaville, Tshisekedi told reporters after the meeting that he sought the counsel of Denis Sassou Nguesso, whom he described as a “sage of Africa.” 

“He [Denis Sassou Nguesso] is an elder of the region, a head of state who is very influential in the region, so it was normal to come and brief him on the development of events in the DR Congo, which is quite normal,” Felix Tshisekedi told the press at the end of the meeting.

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Tshisekedi said the situation in the east remains marked by what he described as an “unjust and barbaric war,” adding that although peace processes have been launched and commitments made by the parties involved, some of those commitments are not being respected.

In a separate statement posted on X, Kinshasa said the two heads also addressed issues related to strengthening bilateral cooperation. 

The talks come amid wider international attention to the conflict.

On January 20, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Moscow would welcome a swift resolution of tensions between DR Congo and Rwanda but currently sees no realistic prospects for a settlement.

Lavrov noted that Russia maintains good relations with both countries and would like to see the conflict end, but stressed that deep-rooted causes must be addressed before any agreement can be considered durable. 

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He added that Russia remains open to a constructive role if asked and would assess how it could contribute should a request for mediation be made.