EU Calls for Rwandan Troop Withdrawal

February 8, 2026 - The European Union’s Special Representative for the Great Lakes region, Johan Borgstam, has completed his third mission to Angola, where he met with the country’s highest authorities to discuss the security situation in eastern DRC and regional efforts toward a political solution to the conflict. According to a statement from the EU delegation in Luanda, Mr. Borgstam held talks with Angolan President João Lourenço, as well as the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Transport. Discussions focused on Angola’s role in advancing lasting peace in the Great Lakes region and its commitment to an inclusive political dialogue in the DRC. The European Union reiterated its call for immediate de-escalation in eastern DRC, an effective and lasting ceasefire, and an end to all support for armed groups. Brussels also stressed the need to implement commitments under UN Security Council Resolution 2773, the Washington Agreements, and the Doha Framework, including: Respect for the territorial integrity of the DRC, Withdrawal of Rwandan troops from Congolese territory, An end to support for the M23, and The neutralization of the FDLR. During the mission, Mr. Borgstam also chaired the EU delegation at the inaugural coordination meeting for the Lobito Corridor, held on February 5 in Luanda at the request of the governments of Angola, the DRC, and Zambia. The meeting brought together political leaders and international partners to strengthen coordination around this strategic infrastructure project. Considered a flagship project of the EU’s “Global Gateway” strategy, the Lobito Corridor aims to connect landlocked regions of Angola, the DRC, and Zambia through an open-access transcontinental railway anchored at the Port of Lobito. The EU says investments mobilized under the “Team Europe” initiative for this corridor exceed €2 billion. Following the meeting, Johan Borgstam welcomed progress in regional and international coordination, highlighting the corridor’s economic and social potential, including its capacity to attract private investment, create jobs, and boost regional trade.