Felix Tshisekedi and Paul Kagame met in Qatar to address the security crisis in eastern DRC, following accusations of Rwandan support for the M23 rebellion. The meeting, mediated by the emir, led to discussions on an immediate ceasefire and a commitment to political dialogue after unsuccessful peace talks in Angola. Both leaders acknowledged the need for stable relations to foster peace in the region.
On Tuesday, Felix Tshisekedi and Paul Kagame convened in Qatar to discuss the ongoing security crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The meeting was mediated by the emir of Qatar, aiming to address the accusations from Kinshasa against Kigali regarding support for the M23 rebellion that has overtaken significant regions in South and North Kivu provinces. Despite UN reports backing these allegations, the Rwandan government has consistently denied involvement.
The discussions, lasting approximately 45 minutes in a “cordial” atmosphere, marked a significant effort after failed attempts to engage the two leaders previously. Sources suggest that the pressure from Western sanctions is influencing Kagame, while Tshisekedi appears more open to negotiating with the M23, particularly after the group’s advances in strategic areas such as Goma and Bukavu.
Both presidents have advocated for an immediate ceasefire, recognizing the urgency following the collapse of peace talks in Angola. The heads of state reaffirmed a commitment to an unconditional ceasefire in line with agreements made at a recent African summit. They expressed optimism regarding the meeting’s potential in fostering stability for the DRC and the broader region.
An immediate ceasefire agreement was also confirmed by Rwandan spokesperson Tina Salama on social media. The detailed implementation of the ceasefire will be outlined in the subsequent days. Prior to this summit, the M23 had withdrawn from peace discussions, claiming that sanctions from international bodies were sabotaging efforts towards peace and dialogue.
The M23 asserts that it protects the rights of Congolese Tutsis, while its territorial advances since January have contributed to substantial loss of life and humanitarian concerns in the region. A UN report claims that Kigali is effectively controlling the M23 and has deployed thousands of troops to support it, although Rwanda refutes allegations of providing military assistance and cites threats from the FDLR group as justification for its actions in the DRC eastern territory. Notably, prior negotiations between the Congolese government and the M23 last occurred in 2013.
The meeting between Presidents Tshisekedi and Kagame signifies a potential shift towards dialogue amidst escalating tensions in eastern DRC. The emphasis on an immediate ceasefire and the discussed need for direct political dialogue highlights the commitment of both nations to resolving the conflict. Despite ongoing sanctions and military implications, the willingness to engage in talks may pave the way for future negotiations to address the underlying causes of the crisis.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
