The AU supports peace talks in Doha between DRC’s Tshisekedi and Rwanda’s Kagame, emphasizing dialogue amidst ongoing conflict. Both leaders aim for an immediate ceasefire following M23 rebel advances in DRC. The discussions align with AU’s commitment to African solutions for African issues.
The African Union (AU) has expressed its endorsement of the recent discussions held in Doha between Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame amidst ongoing conflict in the mineral-rich eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). AU Chairperson Mahamoud Ali Youssouf praised the commitment shown by both nations toward dialogue and emphasized the need for all parties to continue fostering this momentum.
In a statement made on Wednesday, Youssouf reiterated the AU’s dedication to supporting African-led solutions to regional challenges. He noted that the positive spirit of the Doha discussions aligns with ongoing regional mechanisms aimed at addressing the conflict and underscored the importance of constructive engagement in this context.
The meeting marked the first direct talks between the leaders since the M23 rebels, supported by Rwanda, captured two significant cities in eastern DRC earlier this year. Following the discussions, both leaders issued a statement calling for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, with plans to clarify implementation details in the coming days.
This meeting was particularly timely as it followed the withdrawal of M23 representatives from a scheduled meeting with DRC officials in Angola, after the European Union imposed sanctions on members of the group, including its leader Bertrand Bisimwa, as well as on three Rwandan military officials and the head of Rwanda’s mining agency for alleged support of M23.
The M23 group is one of over 200 armed factions contending for control of the eastern DRC, an area abundant in valuable minerals like cobalt. The DRC government, supported by the United States and a group of UN experts, has accused Rwanda of backing M23, a claim that the Rwandan government has denied. The group, absent for over a decade, revived its offensive in eastern DRC in 2022, leading to a significant escalation of conflict, including the capture of strategic locations such as Goma and Bukavu.
In summary, the African Union has welcomed the dialogue between DRC and Rwandan leaders aimed at addressing the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC. The discussions reflect a commitment to peace and constructive engagement, with both leaders advocating for an immediate ceasefire. This dialogue is set against a backdrop of mounting tensions and critical issues concerning regional stability and humanitarian crises.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
