ISTANBUL 

Democratic Republic of Congo President Felix Tshisekedi arrived Thursday in Pretoria for a working visit at the invitation of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Ramaphosa received Tshisekedi at the Mahlamba Ndlopfu presidential residence to discuss issues of mutual interest and strengthen ties, the South African government wrote on the US social media company, X.

Tshisekedi was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister of Defense 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.

Mbeki defended hosting the rebels, saying peace and security in Congo cannot be discussed without including the group.

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.

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, Congo 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.