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.

The resurgence of the M23 rebel group in 2021, allegedly supported by Rwanda, exacerbated the conflict. Rwanda denies supporting the rebels.

At least 20 peacekeepers, including 14 South Africans, were killed in fighting between the M23 rebels and Congolese forces.

The group controls significant territory, including the provincial capitals of Goma and Bukavu, which it seized earlier this year.

In July, DRC government and a coalition of rebel groups that includes the M23 (AFC/M23) signed a ceasefire deal in Doha dubbed the Declaration of Principles.

But fighting in eastern Congo continues amid counter accusations of violating the ceasefire.