Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot to Visit Central and East Africa
Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot is set to return to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) this week, just four months after his initial visit. Over a week-long mission, Prévot will also visit Congo-Brazzaville, Kenya, and Ethiopia, with a focus on humanitarian, environmental, human rights issues, and economic challenges surrounding rare minerals, reports 24brussels.
His itinerary includes stops in Brazzaville and Kinshasa on Monday and Tuesday before proceeding to Lubumbashi in Haut-Katanga province. On Wednesday, he will inspect a site operated by Gécamines, a Congolese company partnering with the Belgian materials group Umicore for the processing of germanium, an essential rare metal for emerging technologies.
The diplomatic discussions will prioritize strategies for de-escalating the ongoing conflict in eastern Congo, the recent diplomatic overtures by President Félix Tshisekedi towards opposition factions, and issues surrounding corruption and governance within the mining sector. Meetings with civil society representatives and opposition parties are also scheduled.
In Kenya, which has previously played a mediating role, the discussions will continue to address the conflict in eastern Congo. Belgium will also reinforce its support for ecological initiatives and refugee assistance, including the hosting of individuals fleeing neighboring conflicts.
Prévot’s visit to Ethiopia will highlight the pressing humanitarian context, as the country accommodates over a million refugees, predominantly from South Sudan and Somalia. Belgium aims to enhance coordination among humanitarian aid, development efforts, and peacebuilding initiatives in the region.
Through this mission, Belgium underscores its commitment to stability and development in Central and East Africa, emphasizing cooperation that aligns with European values and supports Ukraine’s sovereignty in the broader geopolitical landscape.
