DRC and Rwanda Urge Immediate Ceasefire Amid Ongoing Conflict Talks

During talks in Qatar, DRC President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame called for an immediate ceasefire in eastern DRC amid escalating conflict involving M23 rebels. The status of the rebels’ compliance is uncertain, and previous peace talks have failed. Both leaders emphasized the need for sustained discussions to foster enduring peace.

Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame have called for an immediate ceasefire in eastern DRC during their discussions in Qatar. This marks their first meeting since the resurgence of attacks by the Rwanda-supported M23 rebels, which have reportedly resulted in approximately 7,000 fatalities since January.

The response of the M23 rebels to the ceasefire remains uncertain, particularly after they declined to participate in recent peace talks hosted in Angola. The DRC government has accused Rwanda of providing military support to the M23, an assertion that both the United Nations and the United States have echoed, but Rwanda has consistently denied.

Rwanda contends that its military interventions are for self-defense against the DRC military and allied factions. Additionally, the DRC claims Rwanda is illegally exploiting its mineral resources, which Rwanda has refuted. Last December, an earlier round of peace negotiations facilitated by Angola collapsed when Rwanda insisted that the DRC engage directly with the M23.

Following this, the M23 rebels swiftly captured significant locations, including Goma and Bukavu, within two months. In a joint statement from Qatar’s foreign ministry, Presidents Tshisekedi and Kagame reiterated their commitment to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, although details on enforcement and monitoring remained vague.

The discussions surprised many, given the leaders’ previously combative posture regarding the ongoing conflict. The Rwandan presidency emphasized that direct communication between the DRC and the M23 is crucial for resolving the fundamental issues behind the conflict. President Kagame expressed optimism about collaborative efforts advancing peace more swiftly.

DRC presidential spokesperson Tina Salama revealed that the Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani initiated the talks, branding Qatar as a strategic ally for both DRC and Rwanda. The Congolese government indicated that this meeting might pave the way for future peace negotiations, especially considering the recent annulled attempt to unify the DRC government and the M23 rebels for discussions.

The call for a ceasefire by Presidents Tshisekedi and Kagame represents a significant endeavor towards mitigating conflict in eastern DRC. While the outcome of this appeal remains uncertain, particularly regarding the position of the M23 rebels, the meeting illustrates a crucial step in addressing the complex issues at hand. Continued dialogue, possibly facilitated by Qatar, may provide a framework for achieving lasting peace in the region.

Original Source: www.namibian.com.na