The signing ceremony took place this Saturday at the headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Luanda and was led by the Angolan Foreign Minister, Téte António, and the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative in the DRC and head of Monusco, Bintou Keita.

Angola is acting as a mediator in the conflict between the DRC and Rwanda and is promoting various actions to end the confrontations in eastern Congo under the name of the Luanda process.

The document reflects Angola’s commitment to work with international organisations to restore stability in the neighbouring country, protect its territorial integrity and contribute to regional security.

It also seeks to define the terms of cooperation between the parties in order to mitigate armed conflicts, protect civilians and promote security, according to a release from the Angolan Foreign Ministry.

Among other things, the legal instrument provides for the exchange of intelligence and field reports.

Speaking at the ceremony, Foreign Minister António said that this agreement symbolises the UN’s support for Angolan President João Lourenço’s efforts to bring stability and security to the Great Lakes region, and is an extension of the close cooperation between his country and the UN.

The ceremony was also attended by the UN Resident Coordinator in Angola, Zahira Virani, and the Secretary of State for Administration, Finance and Heritage of the Angolan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Osvaldo dos Santos Varela.

A ceasefire is currently in force between the parties and a proposal for a final peace agreement is under discussion.

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