By Paul Fauvet, in Addis Ababa
Addis Ababa (MOZTIMES) – Mozambican President Daniel Chapo has called for dialogue between the parties in conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
At the heads of state summit of the African Union in Addis Ababa, Chapo held a bilateral meeting with his DRC counterpart Felix Tshisekedi.
Tshisekedi’s government is facing an insurgency in the east of the country led by the M23 rebel group. The Congolese government says this is a proxy war, and that the M23 is backed by Rwanda. The Rwandan government, led by Paul Kagame, with whom Mozambique maintains excellent relations, has repeatedly denied the accusation.
Speaking at a closing press conference at the AU summit, Chapo insisted that the only way to solve the various armed conflicts raging on the continent is through dialogue.
“Our position is always in favour of dialogue”, he declared.
Chapo said he had discussed with the Congolese president the solutions Mozambique has been finding to its own problems.
Mozambique has been battling a jihadist insurgency in the northern region of the country for more than eight years. The government characterises it as an external terrorist aggression, although most of the fighters are locally recruited, including Tanzanians from across the Cabo Delgado border. Since 2021, Rwanda deployed thousands of troops to Cabo Delgado to support the fight against the insurgency.
Currently Mozambique has embarked on “inclusive national dialogue”, based on a document that Chapo signed with nine political parties, and which may lead to amendments to the country’s constitution and to its electoral legislation.
Chapo said he wants all political parties, whether represented in parliament or not, and all strata in Mozambican society, to become involved in the national dialogue.
"No Mozambicans are excluded", he declared.
Chapo was optimistic about improved ties between the DRC and the United States. The two governments have signed a strategic partnership agreement, which Chapo hoped could contribute to guaranteeing peace.
The main theme for the AU summit is the availability of sustainable sources of drinking water. Chapo stressed his government's commitment to expanding the percentage of the Mozambican population with access to safe water.
He promised that by June the government will unveil a new initiative on water supply to be named "PROAGUAS". He gave no details, but said the initiative will be aimed at both towns and rural areas. (PF)
