On the agenda of this mini-summit, there was talk of returning to a constructive and reconciliatory dialogue between the DRC and Rwanda, the immediate cessation of hostilities, the immediate withdrawal of M23 from the occupied zones, and the initiation of the process for the cantonment of this movement. Of the ten heads of state expected, only six were present, namely Joao Lourenço from Angola, Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo (DRC), William Ruto (Kenya), Paul Kagame (Rwanda), and Cyril Ramaphosa (South Africa), with the other countries being represented by high-ranking officials.

The Angolan president, João Lourenço, appointed as the mediator to reestablish dialogue between the DRC and Rwanda, indicated that this initiative is taken to relaunch the peace process which experienced a setback with the intensification of fighting and the disastrous humanitarian and economic consequences for the Congolese population.

"Unfortunately, we have witnessed a significant setback that has led to the resumption of hostilities with all the ensuing consequences for the local populations as well as for the economy of the country," lamented the President of Angola.

In the face of this regression, he continued, there is fear that it could reach dangerous proportions that might eventually affect not only the two neighboring countries but also a vast region that encompasses not only the Great Lakes region but also SADC, since the DRC is also part of this regional bloc.

"This meeting aims to see what measures we can take to renegotiate a ceasefire between the authorities of the DRC and M23 and to try to lead, if possible, to direct dialogue between the heads of state of Rwanda and the DRC," he insisted, adding that it would be better to defend the need to make efforts to improve relations between the brotherly peoples of the DRC and Rwanda.

According to the Communication Unit of the Presidency, the two heads of state seated at the ends of the room did not greet each other and the protocol did not provide for a family photo. A final statement might sanction this mini-summit.

Gisèle Mbuyi