Somalia supports Qatar’s mediation in DRC-Rwanda talks aimed at easing tensions. The discussions, held in Doha, were the first between DRC President Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Kagame since recent conflicts. Somalia’s government praised the commitment to a ceasefire and Qatar’s role in promoting peaceful dialogue in the region.
Somalia has expressed its support for the diplomatic mediation efforts by Qatar, which hosted a meeting on Tuesday in Doha between the presidents of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda. The discussions were facilitated by the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, with the aim of alleviating tensions between DRC President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame, stemming from ongoing conflicts in eastern DRC.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Somalia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs endorsed the initiative, describing it as “an important step toward fostering peace and stability in the eastern DRC and the wider region.” The government of Somalia commended both leaders for their commitment to an immediate, unconditional ceasefire and expressed solidarity with the DRC and Rwandan populations in their quest for peace.
Furthermore, Somalia recognized Qatar’s efforts in encouraging dialogue to resolve conflicts peacefully. The ministry remarked, “We extend our appreciation to the State of Qatar for its role in promoting constructive dialogue and mediation to resolve conflicts through peaceful means.”
The Doha meeting represented the first direct dialogue between Kagame and Tshisekedi since the escalation of attacks by the March 23 Movement (M23) rebels in eastern DRC. These rebels have been accused by Kinshasa of receiving support from Rwanda and captured Goma in January, later advancing toward Bukavu in February.
Although both leaders called for a ceasefire, it remains uncertain whether the M23 rebels, who previously withdrew from peace negotiations in Angola, will adhere to this new agreement.
Somalia has officially backed Qatar’s initiative for diplomatic mediation between the DRC and Rwanda, acknowledging the significance of dialogue in resolving conflicts. The meeting in Doha, which resulted in a call for ceasefire, represents a hopeful step towards stability in the region, though the compliance of M23 rebels remains in doubt. The commitment to peace from both leaders reflects a broader regional aspiration for harmony and security.
Original Source: themedialine.org
