The African Union has welcomed talks in Doha between DRC President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame amid ongoing fighting in eastern DRC. The leaders called for a ceasefire and expressed commitment to dialogue. The discussions were prompted by M23 rebels’ aggressive actions and EU sanctions on their leadership. The conflict has led to a severe humanitarian crisis affecting millions in the region.
The African Union (AU) has expressed its appreciation for the recent talks between the Presidents of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Felix Tshisekedi, and Rwanda, Paul Kagame, held in Doha, Qatar. These discussions are significant as they occur amidst ongoing conflict in the mineral-rich eastern DRC. AU Chairperson Mahamoud Ali Youssouf praised the leaders for their dedication to dialogue and encouraged continued engagement from all involved parties.
The dialogues mark the first direct engagement between the DRC and Rwanda since the resurgence of M23 rebels in eastern DRC, who have taken control of two significant cities this year. In their joint statement, the leaders called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, with further details on its implementation expected in the near future.
The discussions took place shortly after M23 representatives withdrew from planned negotiations in Angola, following European Union sanctions imposed on several group leaders, including Bertrand Bisimwa, and Rwandan military officials. The M23 group is one of over 200 armed factions in eastern DRC, a region rich in valuable minerals. Accusations from the Congolese government and the United States suggest Rwandan support for M23, an allegation that Rwanda denies.
The M23 group, which had been inactive for over a decade, recommenced its offensive in eastern DRC in 2022. The situation has escalated, with the group capturing Goma and Bukavu earlier this year. This conflict has contributed to one of the largest humanitarian crises globally, affecting nearly 7 million individuals, including at least 3.5 million children, as reported by the United Nations.
The recent talks in Doha between the DRC and Rwandan leaders reflect a crucial step towards addressing the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC. The AU’s support for dialogue underscores the importance of African-led solutions to the challenges faced in the region, while the situation remains volatile, necessitating urgent action to ensure peace and humanitarian aid for those affected by the crisis.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
