The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has approved the newly appointed Rwandan Ambassador to DRC, Amandin Rugira, as the two nations continue to mend strained diplomatic relations. The development comes shortly after reports from Kinshasa indicated that the vast country had appointed Norbert Nkulu Kilombo Mitumba as its new envoy to Kigali. Speaking to The New Times on phone yesterday, Rugira said that his confirmation came about 10 days ago and he will be leaving for Kinshasa as soon as logistical arrangements are finalized, in approximately a week. “This shows that our relations with the DRC are very good and after the exchange of ambassadors, we hope the relationship will be strengthened further,” Rugira said. The former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the government is still waiting for the official communication regarding the appointment of their new envoy. Recent reports from Kinshasa indicate that Norbert Kilombo Mitumba, a former cabinet minister, was appointed as the new envoy to Kigali. The new developments mark a major turning point in the process of restoring diplomatic ties between the two countries that have for the past decade been strained, according to officials. For the last one year, diplomatic relations between Rwanda and DRC have drastically improved. The revived relations between the two countries resulted into an operation jointly mounted by both armies against insurgents of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR). The operation code-named Umoja Wetu sent thousands of FDLR rebels into disarray and their dependants surrender and return to Rwanda, but recent reports indicate that they have since started regrouping. The FDLR is group made up of elements mostly responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and have been in Congolese jungles for the last 15 years. Timeline 1996-1997: Rwanda, Ugandan forces enter DRC and help Laurent Desire Kabila to capture power from Mobutu Sese Seko. 1998-1999: Rwanda returns to DRC to fight regrouping FDLR (then called PALIR) rebels mainly made up of Ex-FAR Interahamwe, who were infiltrating Rwanda. 2002: Following prolonged deliberations and consultations, an agreement was reached and signed by DRC President Joseph Kabila and his Rwandan counterpart Paul Kagame. Rwanda agrees to withdraw its troops from Congolese territory. 2003: The Lusaka accord, was signed by the DRC, Zimbabwe, Angola, Namibia, Rwanda and Uganda to stop hostilities. 2006: Rwanda-DRC agree to mend ties 2007– Countries agree to set up a Tripartite Plus joint Commission (comprising DRC, Rwanda, Uganda and Burundi) aimed at ridding the Great Lakes Region of marauding militias and also reducing diplomatic tension among member states. The Nairobi Peace Pact is signed. 2008 – UN Report accuses Rwanda of supporting Congolese rebels led by Gen. Laurent Nkunda. Rwanda vehemently denies the allegations. Rwanda reaffirms its commitment to start diplomatic relations and the DRC committed to reopening embassies with Rwanda, Uganda and Burundi early 2009. On December 12, DRC announced representatives to the Economic Community of the Great Lakes Countries (CEPGL). 2009, Jan: Rwanda and DRC launch Operation Umoja Wetu, aimed at routing out FDLR fighters out of Eastern DRC. February: Rwandan forces pull out of DRC after a month of operations that was termed successful. March: Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rosemary Museminali goes to Kinshasa under the Four plus Four arrangement, high on the Agenda, resorting Diplomatic relations and discussing the fate of Gen. Laurent Nkunda. April: Rwanda names Kinshasa Envoy. May: Justice Ministers from both countries meet to discuss legal complexities involving Nkunda’s case. UN Security Council visits Rwanda, DRC to assess the progress of the Peace Process. July: DRC names Norbert Nkulu Kilombo Mitumba as its envoy to Rwanda, approves the appointment of Amandin Rugira as the new Rwandan Envoy at the Kinshasa Embassy. Ends
