Dialogue is Needed to Ease Tension Between DRC and Rwanda- UARA
The United Africa Royal Assembly (UARA) in response to recent diplomatic tensions between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda has called for dialogue and cooperation to ease the escalating discord.
The Assembly has also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting efforts towards peace and stability in the region and beyond.
The statement was released on Wednesday 20 March,2024 following a diplomatic visit and engagement by King Mini Kongo Emir Fabrice Zombi Kavabioko at the Assembly headquarters in Johannesburg,South Africa.
The United Africa Royal Assembly is a supporting agency of the African Union for African Royals, Kingdoms, Emirates, and Chiefdoms. The Assembly’s mission is to promote unity in Africa, restore the continent’s identity, dignity, and diverse cultures, and advance peace, security, economic growth, and sustainable development across the region.
The meeting between the President of the Assembly, His Imperial Highness Prince Estifanos Mateowos and King Mini Kongo was chaired by the Secretary General, Honorable Advocate Zwelethu Madasa.
The UARA emphasized the imperative need for peaceful coexistence and collaboration between the two nations.
President Félix Tshisekedi of the DRC and President Paul Kagame of Rwanda are being encouraged to engage in constructive dialogue aimed at resolving their differences and reducing tensions along their shared border.
The Assembly has also stressed the importance of setting aside differences and working towards common goals for the benefit of their people and the African continent as a whole.
Highlighting the immense potential and resources of both countries, the statement underscored that on-going conflicts hinder the realization of this potential, leading to suffering and loss of lives among ordinary citizens.
The Assembly firmly believes that diplomacy, mutual respect, and non-confrontational measures must prevail to address these challenges and pave the way for lasting peace and stability in the region.
The statement realeased on behalf of His Imperial Highness Prince Estifanos Matewos (President of the UARA) says that it is with deep concern and a sense of responsibility that he addresses the recent tensions between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda.
It says that the escalating discord, particularly concerning the resurgence of rebel activities near the shared border, has raised alarms within the assembly and among concerned citizens across Africa.
It says that both the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda are endowed with immense potential and resources that can significantly contribute to the development and progress of the African continent.
It however says that ongoing conflicts and tensions between the two nations hinder the realization of the potential, leading to the suffering and loss of lives among ordinary citizens.
The UARA says that it firmly believes that dialogue, mutual respect, and nonconfrontational measures must be prioritized to address the challenges and pave the way for peaceful coexistence and collaboration.
‘’We encourage President Félix Tshisekedi and President Paul Kagame to engage in constructive dialogue aimed at resolving differences and reducing tensions along their border and in the region as a whole. The recent exchange of accusations and counter-accusations between these two leading and respected African figures is worrisome and will not benefit either party or their people. It is imperative that both factions strive to de-escalate tensions and focus on the bigger picture of bringing lasting peace and stability to the region,’’ the statement reads..
It is added that intelligence sources suggest that the underlying factors contributing to the tensions go beyond the personalities of the two leaders.
‘’Therefore, it is essential for both President Tshisekedi and President Kagame to set aside their differences, ignore each other’s shortcomings, and work towards common goals for the benefit of their people and the African continent as a whole. UARA stands ready and willing to mediate and facilitate long-lasting solutions to the misunderstanding between both countries,” the Assembly says.
They add that they believe that unity, peace, and harmony among African nations are paramount for collective progress and prosperity.
The Assembly has urged all stakeholders involved to prioritize diplomacy, dialogue and cooperation in resolving the differences.
The UARA says that it looks forward to a peaceful resolution in the not too distant future and remains committed to supporting efforts towards peace and stability in the region and beyond.
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