M23 has declared a humanitarian ceasefire in eastern DR Congo as tensions rise ahead of crisis talks between DRC’s and Rwanda’s presidents. Despite the ceasefire announcement, concerns persist regarding M23’s military intentions following their recent offensives. Accusations of Rwandan military support complicate the situation further as regional leaders prepare for potentially pivotal diplomatic negotiations in Tanzania this weekend.
The M23 armed group announced a humanitarian ceasefire effective from Tuesday in eastern DR Congo, coinciding with scheduled crisis talks between Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame on Friday. M23, part of the Alliance Fleuve Congo, stated it intends to halt aggression while denying ambitions for territorial control over Bukavu and other areas, despite previous claims to advance towards Kinshasa.
Following an escalation of conflicts, particularly around Goma, M23’s activities have raised alarms about potentially expanding operations into South Kivu. Although clashes have lessened in Goma, the situation remains precarious as tensions persist. The Congolese government has previously faced numerous violations of announced ceasefires, with ongoing military engagements raising the urgency of resolving these hostilities.
Congolese Communications Minister Patrick Muyaya challenged Rwandan assertions of non-involvement, suggesting that President Kagame has misled the public regarding Rwanda’s military presence and actions in the region. Moreover, a UN spokesperson revealed DR Congo’s request for an emergency session at the UN Human Rights Council to discuss the unfolding crisis in Goma, planned for February 7, 2023.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasized that a ceasefire must precede genuine peace negotiations including all involved parties. Following the recent violence, which resulted in casualties among South African troops, Ramaphosa reiterated his country’s commitment to supporting Tshisekedi’s efforts for peace through diplomatic channels.
Tshisekedi and Kagame are expected to attend a joint summit hosted in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, aiming to mitigate escalating tensions. The summit, involving the East African Community and the Southern African Development Community, will include discussions regarding the conflict and the respective positions of both parties.
Regional analysts caution against overly optimistic expectations for the summit, as varying perspectives on conflict resolution exist. Dialogue facilitators aim to address substantial disagreements between the involved parties, seeking pathways towards reduced hostilities and enhanced regional stability. Kagame’s participation has been confirmed, but Tshisekedi’s attendance remains uncertain, highlighting ongoing political dynamics.
The ongoing conflict between the M23 armed group and the Congolese government represents a long-standing regional tension exacerbated by ethnic disputes and resource control. The involvement of Rwanda and accusations of its military support for M23 complicate resolution efforts, with both countries asserting differing perspectives on involvement in armed conflicts. This volatile situation has significant implications for humanitarian conditions and geopolitical stability in Central Africa, particularly concerning mineral wealth and regional alliances.
The M23’s declaration of a humanitarian ceasefire and the impending talks between DRC and Rwandan leaders signal a potential shift towards dialogue. However, the deep-seated issues underlying the conflict, compounded by regional dynamics and differing political objectives, suggest that achieving a lasting resolution will require careful negotiation and diplomacy. Stakeholders remain cautiously optimistic yet aware of the complexities that lie ahead in the quest for peace in the region.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
