He made the disclosure during an interview with France24 amidst ongoing tensions between Rwanda and DRC that followed the resurgence of M23 in a fighting against Congolese Army (FARDC) towards the end of 2021.
Despite the ceasefire and request for M23 to withdraw from previously captured areas in eastern DRC, tensions continued to escalate between Rwanda and DRC.
Congo accuses Rwanda of backing M23 rebels, a claim that the country has repeatedly denied but rather accuse Congo of working with the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) to threaten national security.
FDLR is a terrorist group formed by individuals responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Lourenço has disclosed that ongoing efforts are promising that the tensions won’t result into a war.
“I believe this this will not happen. We will make possible efforts to avoid that confrontation between the two countries. We know that M23 till today, are upholding the ceasefire. The next step which unfortunately has not yet been taken, depends not only on M23 but also DRC is concerned. The next step according to the Luanda roadmap is the cantonment of M23 forces,” he said.
Lourenço emphasized that M23 combatants are Congolese where their problem will be solved being on the country’s territory.
He stated Angola will send troops to protect M23 forces in cantonment pending reintegration into the Congolese society.
“Angola was due to send a military contingent in order to provide security in cantonment areas as soon as conditions are put in place in this cantonment zone. We have a prepared contingent in order to be deployed in a few days and provide security elements,” noted Lourenço.
Despite the statement, M23 rebels recently announced that they won’t accept to be brought into cantonment, shall DRC reject negotiations to discuss how their claims will be addressed.
Meanwhile, DRC says that it wants to reintegrate them but doesn’t consider talks with the rebel group.
Lourenço was also asked whether DRC fulfills its obligations to restore peace in eastern part of the country.
“The Congolese authorities are upholding the commitment. Obviously, we would like to see the timing of providing the conditions for cantonment should be shortened as much as possible.
That is not happening but we have to be confident that from now onwards, things will be done as planned. We have been in contact with Congolese authorities, President Tshisekedi has been coming to Luanda frequently for discussions on the issue of M23,” he said.
DRC has at different times accused Rwanda of backing M23 and sending troops for reinforcement even though it lacked evidences.
As a mediator, Lorenco said that has there are no issues with Rwanda regarding the situation but commended the country for assistance to engage in negotiations with M23.
“We don’t have any reason for complain with regards to Rwanda after the Addis Abeba summit. President Kagame, at my request, put Angola in contact with the leadership of M23 as we had some difficulties in contacting the rebel group’s elements.
President Paul Kagame was the person who facilitated that contact. Few days later, the M23 leadership came to Luanda. We have to be fair in recognizing that somebody who has taken steps like this is willing. There is no complaint at all,” he added.
Towards the end of last week, a regional summit on problems in DRC was convened in Bujumbura, the capital of Burundi. It was also attended by Antonio Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General who stressed the need to stick to dialogues and already established mechanisms to restore peace in Congo.
There are worries that the fighting might erupt again if DRC continues to reject negotiations with M23.
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