President Paul Kagame and DRC’s Felix Tshisekedi met in Qatar to discuss peace in Eastern DRC. They expressed commitment to the EAC-SADC processes and emphasized addressing FDLR threats. Both leaders advocated for political dialogue with local groups, showcasing cautious optimism towards resolving ongoing conflicts in the region.
On Tuesday, President Paul Kagame of Rwanda participated in discussions with DRC President Felix Antoine Tshisekedi in Qatar, facilitated by Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar. The meeting aimed to decrease tensions and restore tranquility in Eastern DRC, with a focus on supporting the East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) processes as pathways to peace.
Both leaders underscored the necessity of addressing the threats posed by FDLR genocidal forces and emphasized the importance of security assurances for Rwanda and the surrounding region. Urging for direct political dialogue with the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) and M23, they recognized this as essential to resolving the underlying issues of conflict in Eastern DRC.
President Kagame conveyed optimism about progress, asserting that collaboration among all parties could expedite resolutions. He expressed gratitude towards Sheikh Tamim for promoting constructive discourse and practical solutions aimed at establishing lasting peace in the DRC and the broader area.
A joint communique from Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs reflected on advancements in the Luanda and Nairobi processes and noted the EAC-SADC summit that took place in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on February 8, 2025. The heads of state reaffirmed their commitment to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, as agreed during the summit.
Furthermore, the leaders acknowledged Qatar’s pivotal role in facilitating the meeting, contributing to a strengthened mutual commitment to a secure and stable future for the DRC and its neighboring regions. The cautious optimism surrounding the meeting was echoed on social media, where users expressed hope for a resolution to ongoing conflicts gripping the Great Lakes Region.
In conclusion, the recent talks between Presidents Kagame and Tshisekedi in Qatar signal a constructive effort towards addressing the persistent conflicts in Eastern DRC. Both leaders are dedicated to leveraging regional mechanisms for peace, acknowledging the need for political dialogue and security guarantees, which could pave the way for lasting solutions. The role of Qatar in facilitating this dialogue underscores the importance of international support in conflict resolution efforts.
Original Source: www.ktpress.rw
