Presidents Paul Kagame of Rwanda and Felix Tshisekedi of the DRC met in Qatar to discuss easing tensions in eastern Congo, following the M23 rebels’ withdrawal from peace talks. They pledged to uphold a ceasefire but provided no implementation details. Qatar’s mediation is viewed as a positive step toward regional stability amid ongoing conflicts.
On March 19, 2025, the Presidents of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) engaged in talks mediated by Qatar to address the ongoing tensions in eastern Congo. Rwandan President Paul Kagame and DRC President Felix Tshisekedi were hosted by Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, as part of Qatar’s initiative to foster peace in the region. The discussions came on the heels of M23 rebels, allegedly backed by Rwanda, abandoning peace negotiations in Angola the previous day.
The talks were reported as productive, with both leaders reaffirming their commitment to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, as previously agreed upon at an African summit. A joint statement from the involved parties expressed gratitude to Qatar for facilitating the dialogue, which aimed to establish trust and promote long-term security for the DRC and its surrounding areas. However, specifics about the implementation and monitoring of the ceasefire were not disclosed.
The M23 rebels had intended to engage in direct negotiations with the Kinshasa government to resolve the conflict influencing the resource-rich eastern Congo. However, they withdrew from talks in light of European Union sanctions that impacted their operations and Rwandan authorities. While President Tshisekedi had initially declined to negotiate directly with the rebels despite a prolonged conflict exceeding a decade, recent signals indicated his willingness to explore dialogue. M23 has heightened their military activities lately, capturing key areas Goma and Bukavu, amidst international and regional intervention efforts.
In conclusion, the talks mediated by Qatar between the Presidents of Rwanda and the DRC signify a crucial step towards addressing the precarious situation in eastern Congo. While expressing a shared commitment to a ceasefire, the lack of detailed implementation plans poses challenges. The commitment to ongoing dialogue is essential to achieve lasting peace amidst the backdrop of heightened hostilities from the M23 rebels.
Original Source: www.dw.com
