Félix Tshisekedi and Paul Kagame met in Qatar to resolve the Eastern DRC security crisis. Following accusations of Rwandan support for the M23 militia, this meeting aimed to establish a ceasefire and promote dialogue. The outcome suggests a cautious move toward negotiation amidst ongoing regional tensions and external sanctions.
On Tuesday, Felix Tshisekedi and Paul Kagame engaged in crisis talks in Qatar, mediated by the emir, to address the security crisis in eastern DRC. This face-to-face meeting follows Kinshasa’s accusations against Kigali for supporting the M23 rebellion, which controls significant areas in South and North Kivu provinces, a claim backed by various United Nations reports, though denied by Rwanda.
Efforts by regional organizations to facilitate dialogue between Tshisekedi and Kagame have recently borne fruit. The meeting commenced at 4 pm in Doha, lasting approximately 45 minutes, conducted in a “cordial” atmosphere largely due to the emir’s involvement. Previous attempts to organize dialogues had failed, highlighting the significance of this engagement.
Political analyst Tresor Kibangula indicated that increasing Western sanctions are impacting Kagame, prompting Tshisekedi to consider negotiations with the M23 despite earlier resistance. The changing ground dynamics, following M23’s conquest of Goma and Bukavu, have necessitated this new approach.
Both leaders expressed support for an immediate ceasefire post-discussion, particularly significant following the collapse of peace talks in Angola. Sources indicated the meeting was confidential until Tshisekedi returned to Kinshasa, affirming their commitment to the ceasefire as stipulated in last month’s African summit agreement.
Statements from both presidencies emphasized the need for direct political dialogue with all parties involved to address the underlying causes of conflict in eastern DRC. Kagame’s spokesperson noted that an “immediate and unconditional ceasefire” was agreed upon, with further implementation details to follow.
Earlier developments included the cancellation of peace talks in Angola, attributed to the M23’s last-minute withdrawal driven by perceptions of sabotage by international bodies, notably referencing EU sanctions. M23’s leaders criticized these sanctions, asserting they obstruct dialogue and evoke military aggression from Kinshasa.
The M23, claiming to protect Congolese Tutsi interests, has notably captured Goma and Bukavu since January, resulting in over 7,000 fatalities, which remains an unverified figure. UN reports have indicated that Rwanda directs the M23, with around 4,000 troops backing it to exploit local mineral wealth, despite Rwanda denying military support and citing its own threats from the FDLR militia.
The ongoing crisis in Eastern DRC has prompted significant diplomatic efforts between Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame, mediated in Qatar. Accusations of Rwandan support for the M23 militia lie at the heart of this conflict, accompanied by rising Western sanctions. Their commitment to an unconditional ceasefire highlights a fragile step towards resolution, although challenges remain, particularly concerning international perceptions and the M23’s military control in the region.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
