Presidents Félix Tshisekedi of DR Congo and Paul Kagame of Rwanda have called for an immediate ceasefire with M23 rebels after direct talks in Qatar. This is their first meeting amid ongoing violence, which has resulted in 7,000 deaths. The commitment to a ceasefire raises questions about its feasibility and monitoring, especially after M23’s refusal to join previous peace talks.
In a recent meeting in Qatar, President Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo and President Paul Kagame of Rwanda called for an immediate ceasefire regarding the ongoing conflict with M23 rebels in eastern DR Congo. This meeting marks the first engagement between the two leaders since the resurgence of M23 offensives, which have resulted in approximately 7,000 casualties since January.
The adherence of the M23 rebels to this ceasefire request remains uncertain, as they previously declined to participate in peace discussions in Angola. DR Congo accuses Rwanda of supplying arms and military support to the M23, while Rwanda maintains that their actions are taken in self-defense against the Congolese military and its affiliated militias.
Additionally, DR Congo alleges that Rwanda is illegally extracting its mineral resources, a claim that Rwanda disputes. Historical attempts at peace negotiations, including a session in December led by Angola, failed when Rwanda compelled direct dialogue between DR Congo and M23, preceding the rebels’ rapid territorial gains.
On Tuesday, a joint statement from Qatar’s Foreign Ministry confirmed the commitment of both presidents to an unconditioned ceasefire. However, the mechanics of implementation and oversight remain ambiguous. The statement emphasized the importance of ongoing discussions to foster durable peace in the region.
The Rwandan presidency highlighted the necessity of direct communication between DR Congo and M23 to tackle the underlying issues fueling the conflict. President Kagame expressed optimism, asserting that collaborative efforts could accelerate progress towards a resolution.
Tina Salama, a presidential spokesperson for DR Congo, acknowledged that these talks were initiated by the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, identifying Qatar as a strategic ally for both nations. This effort follows a failed previous attempt to facilitate peace talks, as M23 had withdrawn after sanctions were imposed by the European Union on its leadership.
In conclusion, the recent talks between Presidents Tshisekedi and Kagame in Qatar highlight a significant step towards addressing the ongoing conflict involving M23 rebels in eastern DR Congo. Despite the call for an immediate ceasefire and ongoing discussions, the ability of these efforts to yield tangible results remains uncertain, particularly given the lack of participation from the M23 and the contested accusations between both countries. Continued diplomatic engagement and effective monitoring will be crucial in fostering lasting peace in the region.
Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk
