Xia noted that progress has been made with the signing of the agreement between the DRC and Rwanda, held in Washington on June 27, and the Declaration of Principles signed in Doha, Qatar, on July 19, between the Congolese government and the rebels of the Alliance du Rive Congo-Movement 23 March (AFC/M23).

However, for these initiatives to move forward and make it come true, greater participation from all relevant actors is required to ensure lasting peace and overall stability in the region, he noted.

The special envoy discussed the issue the day before with Angolan President and current head of the African Union, Joao Lourenco, thanking Angola for its role in mediation and seeking African solutions to the continent’s crises, particularly in the Great Lakes Region.

Xia also met with Foreign Minister Tete Antonio, during which they discussed the African Union’s mediation for peace in the DRC, currently under the leadership of Togolese President Faure Essozimna.

In this regard, he learned about the conclusions of the extraordinary joint summit of heads of State and government of the EAC and SADC, held on August 13, where a Panel of Facilitators composed of five former presidents was established.

The panel’s mission is to guide diplomatic efforts within the framework of the unified initiative of both blocs and the consolidation of the Nairobi and Luanda processes for a comprehensive, just, and sustainable solution to the conflict.

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