M23 has announced a humanitarian ceasefire starting Tuesday in eastern DRC as negotiations between DRC and Rwanda leaders are set for Friday. The ceasefire aims to address urgent needs amidst ongoing violence linked to mineral resource exploitation. Regional leaders emphasize the necessity for inclusive peace talks while facing challenges from differing negotiation strategies and previous failed ceasefires.
The armed group M23 has declared a humanitarian ceasefire effective Tuesday in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), coinciding with planned crisis talks between Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame on Friday. The group’s ceasefire is aimed at addressing urgent humanitarian needs, despite its previous intentions to advance towards Kinshasa, the capital.
M23, part of the Alliance Fleuve Congo coalition, indicated no plans to seize Bukavu or other areas, even as fighting in Goma had escalated with support from Rwandan troops. The cessation of hostilities in Goma has shifted concerns regarding M23’s movements towards neighboring South Kivu and its capital, Bukavu, amidst ongoing conflict which has seen multiple ceasefires ignored.
DRC’s Communications Minister, Patrick Muyaya, criticized Rwanda’s denial of involvement in recent violence, accusing Kagame of deception regarding troop mobilization near civilian areas. This comes as the UN reported DRC’s request for an emergency Human Rights Council session to discuss Goma’s urgent situation, proposed for February 7.
Additionally, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasized the necessity of a ceasefire for peace talks involving all conflict parties. South Africa has engaged militarily in the DRC under the Southern African Development Community (SADC) while experiencing its own losses from recent fighting.
In a bid to address regional tensions, Kenyan authorities have organized a summit between Tshisekedi and Kagame in Tanzania, emphasizing the urgency of diplomacy amidst escalating military tensions. Expectations for substantial outcomes remain tempered, with analysts regarding the summit as a diplomatic success in itself.
The differing strategies of the East African Community and SADC complicate diplomatic efforts, with EAC focusing on negotiations with M23, which Tshisekedi opposes. Kagame’s participation is confirmed, while Tshisekedi’s attendance remains uncertain. Reports indicate Rwanda’s military presence in the DRC seeks access to rich mineral resources, contributing to ongoing tensions, as Rwanda denies supporting M23 and instead accuses the DRC of harboring rival armed groups.
The conflict in the eastern DRC has seen repeated cycles of violence, often fueled by regional rivalries and competition over valuable mineral resources like coltan and gold. M23 has re-emerged as a significant player, allegedly backed by Rwanda, leading to accusations and denials from both parties. Ceasefires have been frequently declared but largely ignored, perpetuating the humanitarian crisis. Recent dialogue attempts, led by East African and Southern African regional groups, reflect ongoing efforts to stabilize the situation through diplomatic means.
The M23 group’s declaration of a humanitarian ceasefire reflects growing international pressure for peace talks amid escalating violence in the eastern DRC. With both Rwandan and Congolese leaders set to meet, there is cautious optimism for renewed dialogue. However, the historical context of failed ceasefires and divergent regional strategies complicates the path towards lasting peace.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
