Angola and DRC Wade Into Rwanda – Uganda Feud

By Maniraguha Ferdinand

Heads of State in Quadripartite meeting in Luanda, Angola. From left is President Muveni, President João Lourenço, Paul Kagame and Felix Tshisekedi

Angola and Democratic Republic of Congo have vowed to mediate Rwanda and Uganda so as to end tensions that have been characterizing both countries.

The move was announced this Friday during a quadripartite meeting that brought together President João Lourenço of Angola and the host, Paul Kagame of Rwanda, Yoweri Museveni of Uganda and Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The statement that was released after the meeting, shows that their discussions focused on reviewing general  situation in sub-region  as well as the strengthening  the cooperation among four countries.

They   stressed  “the importance of permanent, frank and open dialogue that should be strengthened both bilaterally between the states of the region and multilaterally , for the consolidation of peace and security  and as fundamental premise for economic integration.”

On the agenda, the issue between Rwanda and Uganda was presented. Both countries ‘relations have been deteriorating, one country accusing another of threatening it security.

Rwanda accuse Uganda of supporting group rebels that want destabilize its security, incarcerate and  torture Rwandans citizens living in Uganda who declined to cooperate with Rwanda’s dissidents.

Uganda in turn accuse Rwanda of sending spies on its territory to destabilize its security.

During quadripartite meeting of Heads of state, Angola was determined to mediate  Rwanda and Uganda, with the  support of Democratic Republic of Congo.

“As far as  bilateral relations between the Republic of Rwanda and Republic of Uganda are concerned, the summit welcomed the willingness of the two parties to continue the dialogue with a view to finding  a solution to  the existing  problem”, the statement reads in part

It adds “ In this regard, the summit welcomed the readiness of the Republic of Angola with the support of the Democratic Republic of Congo to facilitate this process.”

The four Heads of State agreed to continue their consultations on issues of common interest.

Tensions between Rwanda and Uganda have hurt the economy as since March this year Rwanda advised its nationals not to cross to Uganda due to their security.

Uganda is a route of goods from Mombasa port of Kenya heading to countries like Rwanda, Burundi and east of the  Democratic Republic of Congo.