DR Congo and Rwanda Urge Ceasefire Amid M23 Conflict

DR Congo’s President Tshisekedi and Rwanda’s President Kagame have called for an immediate ceasefire in eastern DR Congo after a recent meeting in Qatar. The M23 rebels’ compliance is uncertain, with accusations against Rwanda of supporting them. Previous peace talks have failed, and both leaders stress the need for ongoing discussions to achieve lasting peace.

In a significant diplomatic engagement, President Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo and President Paul Kagame of Rwanda have jointly called for an “immediate ceasefire” in eastern DR Congo. This development follows their recent discussions in Qatar, marking their first meeting since the resurgence of the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel offensive, which has reportedly resulted in over 7,000 casualties since January.

Despite their appeal for a ceasefire, it remains uncertain if the M23 rebels will comply, especially after their refusal to attend peace negotiations held in Angola. The DR Congo has accused Rwanda of providing military support to the M23, a claim that Rwanda disputes despite affirmations from both the United Nations and the United States regarding its involvement.

Rwanda’s position asserts that its military actions are defensive in nature, aimed at countering the DR Congo army and its allied militias. Additionally, DR Congo has accused Rwanda of illicitly exploiting its valuable mineral resources, a claim Rwanda also refutes.

Previous peace efforts, particularly those facilitated by Angola, faltered last December due to Rwanda’s insistence on direct negotiations between the DR Congo government and the M23. Following this, the rebels swiftly gained control of critical cities such as Goma and Bukavu.

A joint statement issued by Qatar’s Foreign Ministry following the recent talks emphasized the commitment of both leaders to an “immediate and unconditional” ceasefire, although details on implementation were lacking. The statement further highlighted the need for continued discussions to lay the groundwork for sustainable peace.

President Kagame underscored the importance of collaboration among all parties to expedite progress, while Tina Salama, DR Congo’s presidential spokeswoman, noted that the talks were prompted by Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani of Qatar, positioning Qatar as a significant ally to both nations. The recent engagement follows a setback in peace negotiations as the M23 rebels withdrew after the European Union imposed sanctions on their leaders.

The recent dialogue between DR Congo and Rwanda marks a pivotal moment in addressing the ongoing conflict with the M23 rebels. Although a ceasefire has been proposed, the actual adherence and implementation remain uncertain. Continued collaboration and dialogue among the involved parties will be crucial for establishing a durable peace in the region, emphasizing the role of external mediation, particularly by Qatar.

Original Source: www.bbc.com