In a significant diplomatic push to mend fences, President Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) met with his Congolese counterpart, Denis Sassou Nguesso, in Brazzaville on Saturday, 3 October 2026. The talks focused on strengthening bilateral ties and addressing the fallout from the recent border incident at Makotipoko, a locality in the Republic of Congo near Yumbi, in the DRC’s Maï-Ndombe province, which involved armed forces from both countries.

The two leaders underscored the importance of maintaining the fraternal and neighbourly bonds that unite their nations. President Tshisekedi, keen to calm tensions, emphasised the shared identity of the peoples of Kinshasa and Brazzaville. “I brought along my Interior and Defence ministers so they can work together on preventing such incidents in the future. We are one people, we share the same culture, and we are destined to live together,” he stated.

In a move that brings hope to those affected, President Tshisekedi announced plans to meet with the victims of the incident and to initiate a compensation process. This development is particularly significant for local communities and cross-border traders who rely on the Congo River for their livelihoods, as it signals a step towards restoring normal economic activity and rebuilding trust.

The leaders also discussed the security and humanitarian situation in eastern DRC, calling for strict adherence to the Washington agreements. The meeting marks a crucial step in de-escalating tensions and fostering stability in the region, with potential positive ripple effects for trade and daily life along the shared border.