The African Union has welcomed the Doha talks between DRC President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame aimed at addressing the ongoing conflict involving M23 rebels in eastern DRC. The leaders called for an immediate ceasefire and emphasized the need for dialogue amidst the humanitarian crisis affecting millions in the region.
The African Union (AU) has expressed approval for the recent discussions held in Doha between President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwandan President Paul Kagame. This meeting took place amid ongoing conflict in the resource-rich eastern DRC. AU Chairperson Mahamoud Ali Youssouf praised the leaders for their dedication to dialogue and emphasized the importance of sustaining this momentum.
In this constructive dialogue, the leaders issued a joint statement advocating for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, with implementation details to be released shortly. This meeting marked the first direct engagement between the two leaders since March, when M23 rebels, believed to be supported by Rwanda, took control of significant urban areas in eastern DRC.
The AU remains committed to fostering African-led resolutions to local challenges. The ongoing conflicts have prompted various sanctions from the European Union against several M23 members and Rwandan military officials, further complicating the dialogue. The M23 group, which emerged prominently after years of inactivity, renewed its offensive in 2022, leading to greater territorial gains and humanitarian distress.
The situation in eastern DRC has resulted in severe humanitarian consequences, affecting nearly seven million individuals and displacing approximately 3.5 million children. The AU’s engagement through the Doha talks is crucial for mediating peace and addressing the underlying issues leading to this crisis.
The recent talks in Doha signify an important step in addressing the ongoing conflicts between the DRC and Rwanda, with a clear call for ceasefire and commitment to dialogue. The African Union’s endorsement highlights the necessity of cooperative regional solutions to these persistent challenges. Given the dire humanitarian situation, the discussions are pivotal in seeking to restore stability and peace in the affected regions.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
