The Angolan President and mediator in the security crisis between Kinshasa and Kigali, Joao Lourenço, is staying in the United States of America. Last Thursday, November 30, he was received by the American President, Joe Biden, at the White House, in Washington DC. According to an American diplomat, the peace process in the crisis between Kinshasa and Kigali was on the agenda of the discussions between the two heads of state.

"We have worked closely on regional security challenges, including seeking to resolve the conflict in East Congo. The United States supports and appreciates Angola's diplomatic efforts in this country, and we have consulted with the Angolans on our commitments, including the recent trip of the Director of National Intelligence, Avril Haines, to the DRC and Rwanda," reported this American diplomat.

João Lourenço plays an essential role in the crisis between the DRC and Rwanda by offering his good offices for de-escalation. The Angolan president presides over the Luanda peace process, conducted concurrently with the Nairobi process with a view to achieving a peaceful solution to the war waged by the M23 rebels, supported by Kigali, according to Kinshasa and the United Nations group of experts, but also numerous Western chancelleries.

Thus, the United States asserts its desire to continue working with the Congolese, Kenyans, and other interested parties throughout these two peace processes to ensure that there is no escalation of fighting in the East of the DRC.

Dido Nsapu