DR Congo and Rwanda have called for an immediate ceasefire in eastern DR Congo following direct talks in Qatar. The meeting, the first between Presidents Tshisekedi and Kagame since the renewed M23 offensive, seeks to address escalating violence that has resulted in significant casualties. Both leaders emphasized a commitment to peace, though the practical aspects of a ceasefire remain open-ended.
In a significant diplomatic move, Democratic Republic of Congo’s President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame have jointly called for an “immediate ceasefire” following direct discussions in Qatar. This marks their first meeting since renewed hostilities escalated due to the M23 rebel group’s offensive, with reports suggesting 7,000 fatalities since January. The response of the M23 to this ceasefire request remains uncertain, especially since they declined to participate in recent peace talks in Angola.
DR Congo holds Rwanda responsible for arming and supporting the M23, a claim Rwanda categorically denies. While Rwanda asserts its actions are purely defensive against the DR Congo army and allied militias, the Westminster government also alleges that Rwanda is unlawfully extracting minerals from eastern DR Congo. Notably, the peace talks mediated by Angola faltered last December, primarily due to Rwanda’s demands for direct negotiation between DR Congo and the M23, which led to the rebels capturing key cities such as Goma and Bukavu.
According to a joint statement by Qatar’s Foreign Ministry, the two leaders emphasized their commitment to an “immediate and unconditional” ceasefire, albeit without clarity on the implementation or oversight of such a ceasefire. The statement noted, “The heads of state then agreed on the need to continue the discussions initiated in Doha to establish solid foundations for lasting peace.”
President Kagame expressed optimism about the potential for resolution, stating that “with all parties working together, things can move forward faster.” Additionally, DR Congo’s presidential spokeswoman Tina Salama attributed the initiation of the discussions to Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, recognizing Qatar as a “strategic ally” for the involved countries. This meeting followed a previous unsuccessful attempt to engage the M23 in peace discussions, which collapsed when the rebels withdrew after the European Union imposed sanctions on their leaders.
The recent diplomatic engagements between DR Congo and Rwanda signal a crucial step towards resolving ongoing conflicts exacerbated by the M23 rebels. The call for an immediate ceasefire reflects an urgent need for peace, although the practical implementation remains unclear. The support of strategic partners like Qatar highlights the international dimension of this conflict, while the ongoing tension exemplifies the complexities of regional security in Central Africa.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
