Presidents Tshisekedi and Kagame met in Qatar to discuss the security crisis in eastern DRC, focusing on the M23 rebellion. The meeting was mediated by Qatar’s emir and resulted in a commitment to ceasefire and dialogue. This follows criticism of international sanctions affecting peace efforts. The conflict has escalated significantly, with hundreds of thousands affected and accusations of foreign military support complicating the situation.
A critical meeting between Felix Tshisekedi, President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and Paul Kagame, President of Rwanda, was held in Qatar to discuss ongoing security issues in eastern DRC. This session, mediated by the emir, aimed to address accusations from Kinshasa that Rwanda supports the M23 rebellion, which has captured significant territories in South and North Kivu provinces. Despite UN reports substantiating the claims, Kigali firmly denies these allegations.
This meeting marked a significant step towards reviving dialogue between the two nations, which has seen multiple failed attempts in recent months. The talks commenced in Doha at 4 PM local time and lasted approximately 45 minutes, described as “cordial” due to the emir’s involvement. Tshisekedi and Kagame had previously planned discussions that were canceled at the last moment in January 2023.
Tresor Kibangula from the Ebuteli Institute remarked on how Western sanctions are increasingly impacting Kagame, encouraging Tshisekedi to consider negotiations with the M23, a stance he had previously resisted. The shifting dynamics, notably after M23 captured Goma and Bukavu, have compelled a reconsideration of tactics.
Following the meeting, both leaders expressed support for a ceasefire, reinforcing commitment to an immediate cessation of hostilities as agreed previously at an African summit. Information concerning the meeting was kept confidential until Tshisekedi’s return to Kinshasa.
Statements from both governments emphasized the importance of direct political dialogue to address the fundamental issues in eastern DRC, with Kagame stressing progress is possible with cooperative efforts among involved parties. The Congolese presidency affirmed that the details regarding the ceasefire’s implementation will be finalized soon.
The peace talks in Angola, planned for earlier that day, were halted after the M23 faction withdrew. The group accused various international entities of undermining peace initiatives, particularly condemning recently imposed sanctions by the European Union, which targeted several military leaders and officials connected to the M23 and armed fighters in the region.
The M23 asserts its mission is to protect the rights of Congolese Tutsis and has led military advancements that have reportedly resulted in over 7,000 fatalities since January. While international reports suggest Rwanda’s backing of M23 forces, Kigali denies providing military support, arguing its own security is at risk from potential threats originating in the DRC.
The meeting between Presidents Tshisekedi and Kagame in Qatar represents a significant diplomatic effort to address the ongoing crisis in eastern DRC and reflects growing pressures on both leaders to engage in meaningful dialogue. The call for a ceasefire and commitment to political discussions mark a potentially pivotal step towards stability in the region. However, the implications of international sanctions and the complexities of the conflict illustrate the challenges that lie ahead in achieving lasting peace.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
