Felix Tshisekedi and Paul Kagame met in Qatar to discuss the security crisis in eastern DRC, focusing on the M23 rebellion. They agreed on a ceasefire and the need for direct negotiations, following an earlier failed peace talk in Angola. Both leaders emphasized cooperation to establish a secure future amid ongoing tensions and external pressures such as sanctions.
On Tuesday, Felix Tshisekedi and Paul Kagame met in Qatar, mediated by the emir, to address the ongoing security crisis in eastern DRC. The meeting aimed to discuss allegations that Rwanda supports the M23 rebellion, which has gained control over significant areas of South and North Kivu provinces. Despite these claims being backed by various UN reports, Kigali has denied involvement.
Efforts to revive dialogue between the two leaders have included continued pressure from regional organizations and past mediation attempts. The meeting commenced at 4 PM local time and lasted around 45 minutes in a cordial environment, influenced by the emir’s intervention.
According to Tresor Kibangula, political analyst, both Western sanctions against Rwanda and recent developments have pushed Kagame toward negotiation. Meanwhile, Tshisekedi is reportedly open to discussions with the M23 due to shifting dynamics since the group captured key cities like Goma and Bukavu.
Post-meeting, both presidents endorsed an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, citing the need for peace just hours after peace talks in Angola had collapsed. A statement affirmed their joint commitment to a ceasefire, aligning with agreements made at a recent African summit. This meeting aimed to foster a stable future for DRC and the broader region.
Additionally, a statement from Rwanda echoed the necessity for ”direct political dialogue” to address the root causes of the conflict. Kagame’s spokesperson emphasized a cooperative approach to expedite progress. The Congolese presidency confirmed that details for the ceasefire implementation will be clarified in the coming days.
The M23’s earlier decision to withdraw from planned peace talks was justified by referring to sanctions from international bodies, particularly the EU. M23 accused these sanctions of undermining dialogue capabilities and emphasized the importance of a conducive atmosphere for negotiations. The recent EU sanctions targeted several Rwandan military figures for their involvement with armed groups in DRC, leading to political ramifications.
Since January, the M23 has aggressively advanced in DRC, claiming to defend the rights of Congolese Tutsis and resulting in significant casualties, although verifying these numbers independently proves challenging. A UN report alleged that Rwanda effectively manages the M23, which includes around 4,000 troops, raising alarms about the region’s stability and resource exploitation. Despite these accusations, Rwanda maintains it faces threats from other factions within DRC, complicating the conflict further.
The recent meeting between Tshisekedi and Kagame in Qatar marked a critical step toward addressing the security crisis in eastern DRC. Both leaders agreed on an immediate ceasefire and the importance of direct dialogues to tackle underlying issues. Nonetheless, external pressures, including international sanctions against Rwanda and the aggressive actions of the M23, remain significant challenges. Continuing to build trust and dialogue is essential for achieving long-term stability in the region.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
