The meeting between Presidents Tshisekedi and Kagame in Qatar aimed to address the security crisis in eastern DRC, with a focus on the M23 rebellion. Both leaders agreed on the necessity of an unconditional ceasefire and emphasized the need for direct dialogue. This encounter follows previous failed attempts at negotiations and coincides with reports of Western sanctions affecting Rwanda. The outcomes of these discussions are crucial amid ongoing violence and accusations of external influence in the conflict.
A significant meeting took place between President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and President Paul Kagame of Rwanda in Qatar, aimed at addressing the ongoing security crisis in eastern DRC. This session was mediated by the emir of Qatar on Tuesday, following accusations from Kinshasa claiming that Rwanda supports the M23 rebellion, which has captured extensive territories in the South and North Kivu provinces. Kigali has denied these allegations but the claims are backed by multiple United Nations reports.
The meeting commenced at 4 PM local time in Doha and lasted approximately 45 minutes, characterized by a cordial atmosphere, largely due to the emir’s role in facilitating the dialogue. Previous attempts to convene between these leaders had failed, but this encounter marked a renewed effort from various regional organizations to foster dialogue. Various sources noted that Western sanctions may be influencing Kagame, while Tshisekedi may be beginning to consider negotiations with the M23 faction due to shifts in the military landscape.
Both presidents have expressed their support for a ceasefire following discussions that occurred just after failed peace talks in Angola. The meeting’s details remained confidential until Tshisekedi returned to Kinshasa, emphasizing an immediate commitment to an unconditional ceasefire as previously agreed upon at an African summit. The fruitful discussions were perceived to build confidence towards establishing a secure future for the DRC and the surrounding region thereafter.
Additionally, statements from the Rwandan presidency underscored the necessity of direct political dialogue involving all parties to tackle the underlying issues of the conflict in eastern DRC. President Kagame’s spokesperson confirmed an unconditional ceasefire agreement between the DRC and Rwanda, with implementation details to be finalized in the days ahead.
However, prior to the trilateral meetings, peace discussions in Angola were halted as the M23 withdrew, attributing this to external sabotaging efforts particularly linked to European sanctions. The increasing sanctions against Rwanda, including measures targeting military leaders and their affiliations with the M23, have intensified the challenges facing negotiations. The M23 claims to represent the interests of Congolese Tutsis but has also been implicated in significant violence, with approximately 7,000 fatalities due to their advances in eastern DRC since January, according to the DRC. International media has yet to independently verify these casualty figures, and while Rwanda denies military support for M23, it cites threats from other groups, complicating the regional security dynamics further.
The recent meeting in Qatar between Presidents Tshisekedi and Kagame represents a critical step towards resolving the complexities of the security crisis in eastern DRC. Despite the challenges posed by allegations, sanctions, and military advancements by the M23, both leaders have reaffirmed their commitment to pursuing a ceasefire and engaging in direct political dialogue. The effectiveness of these negotiations in achieving lasting peace remains to be seen, particularly amid ongoing tensions and external influences in the region.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
