President Paul Kagame and António Costa, President of the European Council, held discussions on the worsening security situation in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), emphasizing the urgent need for de-escalation and a political solution to the crisis.
Following their conversation, President Kagame stated that both leaders agreed on the necessity of a resolution that prioritizes dialogue and ensures lasting peace. He stressed that all parties involved must act responsibly and level-headedly, despite the complexity of the situation.
President Costa also confirmed his engagement with regional leaders, revealing that he had separate calls with both President Kagame and DRC’s President Félix Tshisekedi to convey his concerns about the ongoing conflict. He expressed hope for constructive dialogue during upcoming discussions in Dar es Salaam under the auspices of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the East African Community (EAC).
“A long-term sustainable solution for the stability of the region must be found,” Costa stated, underscoring the EU’s commitment to supporting peace efforts in the Great Lakes region.
Beyond the conflict, Kagame and Costa also reviewed the strong and ongoing cooperation between Rwanda and the European Union, particularly in key sectors of development and security collaboration.
The diplomatic efforts come at a time of rising tensions in eastern DRC, where armed clashes have displaced thousands and fueled regional instability. The EU, alongside African regional bodies, continues to push for a negotiated settlement to prevent further escalation.
With the upcoming high-level discussions in Dar es Salaam, the international community is closely watching to see if regional and global actors can forge a sustainable path to peace in one of Africa’s most volatile regions.
