The foreign ministers of the DRC and Rwanda, joined by Angola’s foreign minister, have emphasized the necessity of adhering to a ceasefire in eastern DRC. A monitoring committee was established following their meeting in Goma to oversee potential violations. The M23 has intensified assaults leading to territorial gains, prompting regional leaders to stress the importance of peace efforts.
On Tuesday, the foreign ministers of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda convened to underscore the importance of ensuring adherence to a ceasefire in the volatile eastern region of the DRC. The ministers gathered in Goma, North Kivu, alongside the Angolan foreign minister, to establish a monitoring committee aimed at tracking ceasefire breaches. The ceasefire, initially brokered by Angola, was enacted in early August between the Congolese armed forces and the M23 militia, which has been accused of receiving Rwandan support.
Angolan Foreign Minister Tete Antonio emphasized, “We all insisted on the need for a respect of the ceasefire,” advocating for a collective pursuit of peace. Conversely, Congolese Foreign Minister Therese Kayikwamba Wagner expressed concern over a discrepancy between Rwanda’s public statements and its actions, particularly regarding territorial occupations. Nevertheless, she acknowledged that the ceasefire significantly held throughout the region despite ongoing tensions.
The M23 has reportedly intensified its offensive in October, capturing several areas and clashing with both Congolese forces and allied militia. Angola labeled the M23’s occupation of a town a blatant infringement of the ceasefire agreement. Rwandan Foreign Affairs Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe assured, “We Rwanda, we are still engaged in the (peace) process.”
The newly formed ceasefire monitoring committee will be under Angolan leadership and shall include officials from both the DRC and Rwanda. Meanwhile, reports indicate that M23 rebels temporarily seized control of a town near Lake Edward, further escalating the conflict. The M23’s resurgence since late 2021 has resulted in extensive territorial gains, leading to significant humanitarian crises and mass displacements in eastern DRC.
The situation in eastern DRC is marked by longstanding tensions involving various armed groups, including the M23 rebels, who have historical ties to Rwanda. The complexities of these relations have fueled conflicts characterized by accusations of external military support and territorial disputes. The ceasefire, facilitated by Angola, represents a diplomatic effort to stabilize a region plagued by violence and humanitarian crises, emphasizing the need for peaceful negotiations to end hostilities and promote regional stability.
In summary, the meeting of the DRC and Rwandan foreign ministers, alongside their Angolan counterpart, reflects a concerted effort to reaffirm the importance of respecting the ceasefire amidst ongoing military tensions. The establishment of a monitoring committee signifies proactive engagement by the involved nations to seek a lasting peace in a region historically marred by conflict. Continued vigilance is essential as the M23’s recent offensives present significant challenges to the ceasefire’s integrity and regional stability.
Original Source: www.barrons.com
