Rwandan and DRC presidents met in Qatar to discuss the eastern Congo conflict involving the M23 rebel group, reaffirming a commitment to ceasefire. A scheduled dialogue in Angola was canceled after the M23 withdrew due to EU sanctions. Significant violence continues in the region, affecting thousands with substantial humanitarian consequences.
Rwandan President Paul Kagame and DRC President Félix Tshisekedi met in Qatar to address the ongoing conflict in eastern Congo, particularly involving the Rwandan-backed March 23 Movement (M23) rebel group. Their joint statement emphasized a commitment to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire with Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani serving as mediator.
The dialogue coincided with a scheduled peace meeting in Angola, which was canceled as the M23 withdrew following EU sanctions on their leaders. The leaders agreed to pursue talks in Doha to establish a foundation for lasting peace.
Due to a disagreement over including the M23 in negotiations, a peace summit planned for December 2024 was suspended. This marked a significant event as it was the first direct engagement between the Congolese government and the M23.
The Angolan Foreign Affairs Ministry mentioned that circumstances of force majeure prevented the dialogue from occurring after the M23’s withdrawal. The Congo River Alliance criticized international institutions for hindering peace efforts, stating that it complicates potential resolutions to the conflict.
The M23 currently controls key provincial capitals in North and South Kivu, regions rich in minerals vital for technology. Since the conflict escalated, over 850,000 individuals have been displaced in South Kivu and more than 8,500 casualties were reported in and around Goma according to local health authorities. Despite the ongoing U.N. peacekeeping efforts, the DRC has faced persistent conflicts involving various militias since 1998.
The meeting between Kagame and Tshisekedi highlights ongoing diplomatic efforts to resolve the eastern Congolese conflict, especially concerning the M23 rebel group. Despite a commitment to ceasefire and further negotiations, significant challenges persist, especially the M23’s withdrawal and international sanctions. Continuous fighting has resulted in alarming humanitarian impacts, including widespread displacement and casualties, indicating the urgent need for effective conflict resolution strategies.
Original Source: efe.com
