Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Alexis Thambwe mwamba of Congo, Democratic Republic of the

Alexis Thambwe Mwamba was appointed Foreign Affairs minister over the weekend, replacing Antipas Mbusa Nyamwisi.

Alexis Thambwe Mwamba said the plan to tackle the FDLR armed group was drawn up by officers from the Great Lakes neighbors and agreed with his Rwandan counterpart Rosemary Museminali.

Foreign Minister Alexis Thambwe Mwamba said in a communique following a meeting with his Rwandan counterpart that Congo is now willing to meet envoys of rebel leader Laurent Nkunda to discuss a path to long-term peace and to formalize a cease-fire deal.

Alexis Thambwe Mwamba said he and his Rwandan counterpart, Rosemary Museminali, agreed on the plan to tackle the armed group, the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda, or FDLR, which was drawn up by officers from the Great Lakes neighbors.