African Union Supports Peace Talks Between DRC and Rwanda Leadership

The African Union has welcomed the Doha talks between DRC President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame aimed at addressing ongoing conflicts in eastern DRC. Both leaders advocated for an immediate ceasefire amidst allegations of Rwandan support for the M23 rebels, who have intensified their activities in the region. The AU emphasizes the significance of African-led solutions to regional challenges.

On Tuesday, leaders of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda, President Felix Tshisekedi and President Paul Kagame, convened in Doha amidst ongoing conflict in eastern DRC. The African Union (AU) expressed its endorsement of these discussions, which are viewed as vital for fostering peace in the mineral-rich region. AU Chairperson Mahamoud Ali Youssouf praised the commitment to dialogue and urged all involved parties to sustain the ongoing momentum for peace.

The AU emphasized the importance of regional solutions to African challenges. Youssouf noted, “The Doha discussions, held in a spirit of constructive engagement, align with these efforts and complement ongoing regional mechanisms.” This meeting marked the first direct talks between the two leaders since the M23 rebels, allegedly supported by Rwanda, captured significant cities in eastern DRC this year.

During this meeting, both leaders called for an “immediate and unconditional ceasefire.” They stated that details regarding the implementation of this ceasefire would be clarified shortly. Notably, the Doha talks followed the M23 representatives’ withdrawal from a scheduled meeting with DRC officials in Angola amidst fresh European Union sanctions imposed on key figures within the group, as well as on certain Rwandan military leaders.

The M23 group is one of over 200 armed factions vying for control in eastern DRC, an area abundant in valuable minerals, including cobalt. The Congolese government, alongside the United States and UN experts, has accused Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebels, a claim which Rwanda has denied. Following a period of inactivity, M23 has intensified its offensives since last year, capturing Goma and Bukavu and exacerbating the humanitarian crisis that has displaced almost 7 million individuals, including over 3.5 million children, as reported by the United Nations.

The AU’s affirmation of the Doha dialogue highlights the urgent need for a resolution to the ongoing conflict between DRC and Rwanda. The commitment to an immediate ceasefire reflects a crucial step towards mitigating the humanitarian crisis in eastern DRC, which is currently one of the most severe in the world. Both leaders are encouraged to maintain the dialogue to foster peace and stability in the region.

Original Source: www.aljazeera.com