Pretoria: Democratic Republic of Congo President Felix Tshisekedi arrived in Pretoria for a working visit at the invitation of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. Ramaphosa received Tshisekedi at the Mahlamba Ndlopfu presidential residence to discuss issues of mutual interest and strengthen ties, the South African government wrote on the US social media company, X.

According to Anadolu Agency, Tshisekedi was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister of Defense Guy Kabongo, Foreign Minister Therese Kayikwamba Wagner, and Finance Minister Doudou Fwamba, as confirmed by the Congolese presidency. This visit follows a peace conference hosted by the foundation of former South African President Thabo Mbeki in early September, where the Congolese government was notably absent, but M23 rebel group members were in attendance.

Mbeki has defended the decision to include the rebels in the discussions, stating that peace and security in Congo cannot be addressed without their involvement. The eastern region of Congo has experienced violence for decades, with the resurgence of the M23 rebel group in 2021, allegedly backed by Rwanda, further worsening the conflict.

The conflict has claimed the lives of at least 20 peacekeepers, including 14 South Africans, in clashes between the M23 rebels and Congolese forces. The rebel group currently controls significant territories, including the provincial capitals of Goma and Bukavu, which they seized earlier this year.

In an attempt to de-escalate the situation, Congo and a coalition of rebel groups, including the M23 (AFC/M23), signed a ceasefire agreement in Doha in July, known as the Declaration of Principles. However, fighting continues in the eastern part of Congo, with both sides accusing each other of violating the ceasefire.