The African Union has welcomed the Doha talks between Congolese and Rwandan leaders amid ongoing conflict in eastern DRC. The meeting was the first since M23 rebel attacks, and both presidents have called for an unconditional ceasefire. The AU emphasizes the need for African solutions to these regional challenges as conflicts worsen humanitarian conditions.
The African Union (AU) has endorsed the recent discussions held in Doha between Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame amid ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). AU Chairperson Mahamoud Ali Youssouf praised both leaders for their dedication to dialogue and urged them to continue this momentum.
Youssouf stated that the AU is firmly committed to promoting African-led solutions to address the continent’s challenges. He emphasized that the Doha talks reflect constructive engagement and align with existing regional resolution mechanisms.
This meeting marks the first direct talks since the M23 rebel group, allegedly supported by Rwanda, captured two major cities in eastern DRC this year. The leaders released a statement calling for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, with implementation details to follow soon.
The discussions occurred after M23 representatives withdrew from a meeting with DRC officials in Angola, which was prompted by European Union sanctions imposed on M23 leaders and certain Rwandan officials related to alleged support for the rebels. M23, amidst more than 200 armed groups in the DRC, has been accused of destabilizing the region rich in minerals like cobalt.
Following a decade of dormancy, the M23 group resumed its operations in eastern DRC in 2022, intensifying attacks in January and capturing the vital city of Goma in February. The ongoing violence has led to a significant humanitarian crisis, affecting nearly 7 million people in the region, including more than 3.5 million children, as reported by the UN.
The dialogue between the leaders of the DRC and Rwanda represents a crucial step towards resolving ongoing tensions exacerbated by armed groups like M23. The AU’s support highlights the importance of African-led initiatives in addressing regional conflicts, especially in the context of the humanitarian crises intensified by these struggles for control over valuable resources. Continued dialogue may pave the way for lasting peace and stability in eastern DRC.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
