The African Union has endorsed talks between Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame in Doha amidst ongoing violence in Eastern DRC. Both leaders called for an unconditional ceasefire as they engage in dialogue for peace. The discussions come after M23 rebels had previously withdrawn from a planned meeting, amidst EU sanctions against key individuals in the conflict.
The African Union (AU) has expressed its support for the recent discussions conducted in Doha between Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame. These talks took place amidst ongoing violence in the mineral-rich eastern regions of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). AU Chairperson Mahamoud Ali Youssouf praised the leaders for their dedication to dialogue and underscored the need for all parties involved to sustain this momentum for peace.
The Doha discussions were significant as they marked the first direct conversations between Presidents Tshisekedi and Kagame since the resurgence of hostilities in eastern DRC, attributed to the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels who captured major cities earlier this year. Leaders called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, promising further details on implementation in the days to come.
This dialogue in Qatar followed the withdrawal of M23 representatives from a scheduled meeting with DRC officials in Angola, instigated by recently imposed EU sanctions targeting key figures within M23 and Rwandan military personnel. The sanctions stem from accusations of Rwandan support for M23, a charge which Rwanda vehemently denies. M23 is among over 200 armed groups struggling for territory in the eastern DRC, a region rich in valuable minerals.
The resurgence of M23, following a period of dormancy, has intensified conflicts in eastern DRC since 2022, leading to significant territorial advances including the capture of Goma and Bukavu. The UN reports that the ongoing war has generated one of the most severe humanitarian crises globally, affecting nearly seven million individuals, including approximately 3.5 million children.
In conclusion, the talks between the leaders of Rwanda and the DRC in Doha are a critical step towards addressing the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC. The AU’s endorsement of these discussions signifies a commitment to resolving regional conflicts through dialogue and collaboration. As the situation continues to develop, the international community remains hopeful for a peaceful resolution to the humanitarian crisis stemming from this unfortunate conflict.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
