DR Congo and Rwanda Urge Ceasefire Amid Escalating Conflict with M23 Rebels
In Qatar, DR Congo and Rwanda’s leaders have called for an immediate ceasefire with M23 rebels following heightened conflict leading to thousands of deaths. Despite negotiations, the M23’s participation and Rwanda’s alleged support for them pose challenges. The Emir of Qatar has facilitated discussions in pursuit of a lasting peace agreement.
In Qatar, President Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo and President Paul Kagame of Rwanda have called for an “immediate ceasefire” concerning the ongoing conflict with M23 rebels in eastern DR Congo. This marks the first meeting between the leaders since the resurgence of M23 offensives, which have reportedly resulted in approximately 7,000 fatalities since January.
The response from the M23 regarding the ceasefire remains uncertain, particularly as they recently declined to attend peace negotiations in Angola. The Democratic Republic of Congo continues to allege that Rwanda is providing arms and troop support to the rebels, a claim Rwanda denies while maintaining its military actions are defensive against DR Congo forces and allied militias. Furthermore, DR Congo accuses Rwanda of exploiting its mineral resources illegally in the eastern region.
Last December, peace talks convened by Angola were unsuccessful, largely due to Rwanda’s insistence on direct dialogue between the DR Congo government and the M23. Following these failed negotiations, the rebel group made significant territorial gains, capturing important cities such as Goma and Bukavu. In a joint statement, both presidents expressed intentions for an “immediate and unconditional” ceasefire, although specifics regarding implementation or monitoring were not provided.
Alongside their commitment to dialogue, President Kagame emphasized that collaboration among all parties is essential to expedite progress towards resolution. The talks were reportedly facilitated by Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, with DR Congo’s spokesperson Tina Salama acknowledging Qatar’s role as a supportive ally. The recent meeting follows an earlier unsuccessful attempt to reconcile DR Congo’s government and the M23, which met with complications when the rebels withdrew following EU sanctions on their leadership.
The discussions between Presidents Tshisekedi and Kagame highlight an urgent call for a ceasefire amidst escalating violence in eastern DR Congo. Despite a mutual commitment to peace, the challenges posed by the M23’s refusal to engage and allegations of Rwandan support for the rebels remain significant obstacles. The role of Qatar in facilitating this dialogue underscores the ongoing complexities of achieving a long-lasting resolution to the conflict.
Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk
