M23 has declared a ceasefire in eastern DRC coinciding with crisis talks between DRC and Rwanda’s leadership. Despite this, previous ceasefires have failed, and the situation remains volatile, exacerbated by regional tensions and accusations against Rwanda. Diplomatic efforts are underway to address these issues and ultimately seek peace.
The M23 armed group has announced a humanitarian ceasefire effective Tuesday in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as crisis discussions between Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame are being scheduled. M23, part of the political-military Alliance Fleuve Congo, stated its ceasefire aims to assist humanitarian efforts and denied intentions to seize control of Bukavu, despite previous threats towards Kinshasa.
Following M23’s recent attacks on Goma, fighting has spread to South Kivu, escalating fears of territorial expansion towards Bukavu. The ceasefire follows multiple past declarations of truces that were not honored. DRC’s Communications Minister, Patrick Muyaya, has accused Rwanda of being complicit in the conflict, emphasizing ongoing casualties.
Amidst these tensions, a UN representative confirmed a DRC request for an emergency session of the UN Human Rights Council to discuss Goma’s deteriorating situation. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa stressed the necessity for a ceasefire to facilitate peace negotiations among all conflict parties. South Africa has previously sent troops to North Kivu, intensifying military involvement after casualties among their soldiers.
A summit in Dar es Salaam seems imminent, hoping to salvage diplomatic relations between DRC and Rwanda. With the potential participation of multiple regional leaders, there is urgency in addressing rising military hostilities. However, preliminary reactions indicate diverging views on conflict resolution, with the East African Community (EAC) favoring direct talks with M23, which Tshisekedi has so far rejected.
Amid these complexities, Kagame’s attendance at the summit has been confirmed, while Tshisekedi has yet to decide his mode of participation. Rwanda’s military presence in the DRC remains a contentious issue, with accusations of exploiting the region’s rich mineral resources and supporting various armed factions. The backdrop of this conflict includes historical grievances, including accusations against the DRC of harboring groups responsible for past genocides, complicating peace efforts further.
The conflict between DRC and Rwanda has deep roots, featuring cycles of violence primarily linked to resource extraction and ethnic tensions arising from the Rwandan genocide in the 1990s. M23, a rebel group with alleged backing from Rwanda, has claimed territory in eastern DRC rich in minerals such as coltan and gold. With previous ceasefires repeatedly violated, the situation remains tense and precarious, prompting regional leaders to seek diplomatic interventions. The EAC and SADC organizations are struggling to unify their approaches amidst differing national interests, reflecting the conflict’s complexity.
In summary, the recent ceasefire declared by the M23 marks a critical moment in the ongoing DRC-Rwanda crisis, coinciding with planned diplomatic talks. However, past violations of truces raise skepticism about the potential for lasting peace. The regional diplomatic efforts depict varying stances on conflict resolution, revealing deep-seated challenges that must be navigated to ensure stability in the region.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
