Rwanda and DRC presidents met in Qatar for surprise ceasefire talks, expressing support for an immediate ceasefire following failed talks in Angola. The leaders highlighted the need for political dialogue to address conflicts in Eastern DRC, with agreement details to be finalized soon. These developments follow M23’s withdrawal from negotiations amid accusations against international institutions and the Congolese government.
Surprise ceasefire discussions between the Presidents of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) took place in Qatar, following unsuccessful peace talks in Angola. Rwandan President Paul Kagame and DRC President Felix Tshisekedi engaged in dialogue with Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, where they voiced their backing for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, aligning with commitments made at a recent African summit.
The meeting was characterized as “fruitful”, indicating a joint effort to foster stability in the DRC and the surrounding region. Both leaders emphasized the necessity of direct political dialogues to tackle the underlying causes of conflict in Eastern DRC. The Rwandan presidency highlighted Kagame’s optimism regarding future progress through cooperative efforts among involved parties.
The DRC presidency confirmed the meeting and noted that it remained undisclosed until President Tshisekedi’s departure back to Kinshasa. Following the discussions, a representative announced the official agreement for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, with implementation details to be finalized shortly.
Earlier that day, Angola canceled scheduled peace negotiations after the M23 armed group pulled out unexpectedly. The M23 accused international entities, particularly the European Union, of undermining peace efforts through sanctions, which they claimed hindered direct dialogue. They denounced the Congolese government’s militant rhetoric as detrimental to productive discussions.
The European Union’s sanctions targeted several Rwandan military officials amid allegations of their involvement with the M23, which has reportedly captured key eastern cities of Goma and Bukavu since January, leading to significant civilian casualties. Although Rwanda refutes claims of military support for the M23, it argues that it confronts threats from the FDLR group, which has historical ties to the Rwandan genocide. The previous negotiations between the DRC government and the M23 occurred in 2013, marking a significant gap in direct diplomatic engagement.
In conclusion, the impromptu ceasefire talks by the Rwandan and DRC presidents in Qatar signify hope for resolving ongoing conflicts in Eastern DRC. The commitment to an immediate ceasefire reflects a significant step towards stability, despite previous setbacks in peace negotiations. As regional and international dynamics unfold, the potential for future dialogues remains critical for addressing underlying issues in the conflict.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
