On February 8, 2025, Presidents Kagame and Tshisekedi met in Qatar to address peace in Eastern DRC. They supported EAC-SADC processes and emphasized the need for dialogue with AFC/M23. The discussions reaffirmed a commitment to ceasefire and noted previous diplomatic progress, creating cautious optimism for future solutions.
On Tuesday, President Paul Kagame of Rwanda engaged in discussions with Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) President Felix Antoine Tshisekedi. This significant meeting took place at Lusail Palace, hosted by Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of Qatar, with the intent of alleviating tensions and restoring peace in Eastern DRC.
The discussions emphasized the essential support for the East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) processes as fundamental frameworks for achieving a sustainable resolution to the ongoing conflict in the DRC. Furthermore, addressing the threats posed by the FDLR genocidal forces and ensuring security guarantees for Rwanda and the surrounding region were highlighted as priority issues.
The leaders acknowledged the critical necessity of initiating direct political dialogue with the Allied Democratic Forces/Movement for the Restoration of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (AFC/M23), posited as vital for tackling the fundamental causes of unrest in Eastern DRC.
President Kagame expressed optimism about swift progress through collaboration, commending Sheikh Tamim for his facilitation of constructive dialogue aimed at attaining lasting peace in the DRC and the broader region.
A joint statement from Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs addressed the advancements made in both the Luanda and Nairobi processes. It also mentioned the joint EAC-SADC summit, which took place in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on February 8, 2025, affirming the commitment to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire as previously agreed upon during that summit.
The leaders acknowledged the importance of further discussions started in Doha to solidify the groundwork for enduring peace, as envisioned in the merged Luanda/Nairobi process. They praised Qatar for facilitating a meeting that bolstered confidence in a mutual commitment to creating a secure and stable future for the DRC and the surrounding region.
Given the context of the meeting, there is a cautious optimism among observers, particularly on social media, where users have expressed hope that the dialogue may lead to resolutions regarding the conflict affecting the Great Lakes Region.
In conclusion, the meeting between Presidents Kagame and Tshisekedi signifies a crucial step towards addressing the long-standing conflicts in the DRC. With strong support for EAC-SADC processes and an emphasis on political dialogue, there remains cautious optimism about the prospects for peace. The collaboration highlighted at this meeting, along with support from Qatar, may prove instrumental in fostering stability in the region.
Original Source: www.ktpress.rw
