In a significant development, the Presidents of Rwanda and the DRC held surprise ceasefire talks in Qatar, following failed negotiations in Angola. They committed to an immediate ceasefire and emphasized the necessity of direct political dialogue to address underlying issues in the conflict. The talks occurred amidst a backdrop of tension involving the M23 armed group and international sanctions.
The Presidents of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) convened surprise ceasefire discussions in Qatar following unsuccessful peace efforts in Angola. Rwandan President Paul Kagame and DRC President Felix Tshisekedi met with Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to express their shared commitment to a ceasefire in light of escalating conflicts involving the Rwanda-backed M23 armed group in eastern DRC.
During their meeting, the leaders reaffirmed the need for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, as outlined in a prior African summit agreement. They emphasized their commitment to a secure future for the DRC and the surrounding region, while also recognizing the importance of establishing direct political dialogue to resolve underlying issues contributing to the conflict.
The meeting was characterized as productive, with President Kagame suggesting that collaboration among all parties could expedite progress towards peace. News of the talks, which were kept confidential until Tshisekedi’s return to Kinshasa, was confirmed by both Rwandan and Congolese officials, who stated that the mechanisms for implementing the ceasefire would be finalized in the upcoming days.
Earlier the same day, Angola announced the cancellation of peace talks after the M23 group withdrew at the last moment, attributing their decision to external sanctions they alleged sabotaged peace efforts. These sanctions were specifically referenced by M23, which accused certain international bodies of disrupting negotiations and announced their withdrawal from discussions.
The European Union has imposed sanctions on Rwandan military leaders and has expressed concerns over their involvement with the M23, which seized significant cities such as Goma and Bukavu this year, resulting in considerable loss of life. Although Rwanda has denied military support to the M23, it asserts that it faces threats from another group, the FDLR, which originated from the 1994 Rwandan genocide.
The recent ceasefire discussions between the Presidents of Rwanda and the DRC in Qatar signify a critical step toward potential peace in a volatile region. The reaffirmation of commitments to an unconditional ceasefire reflects a shared recognition of the urgent need for dialogue and cooperation, despite preceding failed peace efforts. The upcoming days will be crucial in determining the implementation of their agreements and the path forward for the DRC.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
