DR Congo and Rwanda’s leaders have called for an immediate ceasefire against M23 rebels following talks in Qatar. The conflict has led to 7,000 deaths this year. Uncertainty remains about the rebels’ compliance with ceasefire terms as previous peace efforts have failed, and accusations of military support and resource exploitation persist between the two nations.
In a significant move, the leaders of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) and Rwanda, Presidents Félix Tshisekedi and Paul Kagame respectively, have called for an “immediate ceasefire” in eastern DR Congo. This appeal follows their direct engagement in talks held in Qatar, marking their first meeting since the escalation of hostilities involving M23 rebels, which have resulted in 7,000 casualties since the beginning of the year.
The future of this ceasefire remains uncertain, as the M23 rebels have previously declined to participate in peace discussions in Angola. DR Congo accuses Rwanda of not only arming the M23 but also of direct military involvement in support of the rebels. Rwanda, on its part, refutes these allegations, claiming that its military actions are defensive measures against DR Congo’s army and associated militias while denying any involvement in illegal mineral extraction from the region.
The backdrop of this conflict involves tensions that arose after unsuccessful peace talks in December, where Rwanda insisted on direct negotiations between DR Congo and the M23 rebels. Following this, the rebel group gained significant territory, capturing key cities including Goma and Bukavu within the last two months. In a joint statement from Qatar’s Foreign Ministry, Tshisekedi and Kagame reiterated their commitment to an “immediate and unconditional” ceasefire, though specifics concerning implementation and monitoring remain ambiguous.
Additionally, the Rwandan presidency emphasized the necessity of direct negotiations between DR Congo and the M23 to address the fundamental issues fueling the conflict. President Kagame conveyed optimism, suggesting that collaboration among all parties is essential for progress. These discussions in Qatar were reportedly initiated by the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, highlighting the Gulf nation’s role as a strategic ally to both African nations. The ceasefire appeal comes after a failed attempt to convince the M23 to engage in peace talks, which ultimately fell through following the announcement of EU sanctions against the rebels’ leadership.
The calls for a ceasefire between DR Congo and Rwanda emerge from a backdrop of violent conflict involving M23 rebels, leading to significant casualties and territorial changes. Despite the leaders’ commitment to peace talks, the effectiveness of the ceasefire remains questionable due to the rebels’ previous rejections of negotiations. Continuous efforts by leaders, including the involvement of Qatar, indicate a multifaceted approach toward resolving the ongoing conflict in the region.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
