DRC, Angola, and South Africa seal tripartite cooperation pact in Pretoria

Africa, Business, Politics

PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA (NPA) — March 14, 2026 — The Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Republic of Angola, and the Republic of South Africa today signed a Tripartite Mechanism for Dialogue and Cooperation in Pretoria.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) follows extensive consultations and technical work by experts from the three nations. It is designed to strengthen strategic coordination and deepen cooperation across key areas, including political and diplomatic relations, security, trade and investment promotion, and sustainable economic development for the benefit of their populations.

According to the Congolese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the agreement was signed by H.E. Ms. Noëlla Ayeganagato Nakwipone, Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, alongside Ronald O. Lamola, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa, and Ambassador Téte António, Minister of External Relations of Angola. The signing ceremony took place at South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) headquarters.

This MoU marks the culmination of a sustained process of dialogue and technical collaboration among the three countries, aimed at reinforcing their collective strategic alignment.

For the DRC, the agreement carries particular significance as the country continues to confront the M23 rebel group. The insurgency, rooted in political grievances, ethnic tensions, and competition over resource-rich territories in North and South Kivu, has resurged since 2022. Its revival has been fueled by alleged external support, disputes over the reintegration of former fighters, and fierce competition for lucrative gold and coltan mines.