DRC President Tshisekedi meets South Africa's Ramaphosa after snubbing forum with M23 rebels

The ​​​​​​​Democratic Republic of Congo President Felix Tshisekedi has visited South Africa for a working visit at the invitation of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Ramaphosa received Tshisekedi at the Mahlamba Ndlopfu presidential residence on Thursday to discuss issues of mutual interest and strengthen ties, the South African government wrote on X.

Tshisekedi was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister of Defence Guy Kabongo, Foreign Minister Therese Kayikwamba Wagner and Finance Minister Doudou Fwamba, according to the Congolese presidency.

The visit followed a peace conference hosted by former South African President Thabo Mbeki’s foundation in early September, in which the Congolese government declined to attend, but members of the M23 rebel group were present.

Peace initiatives

Eastern Congo has been plagued by violence for decades.