The African Union has welcomed the recent talks in Doha between DRC President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame, urging all parties to sustain their commitment to dialogue amid ongoing conflict in eastern DRC. The leaders agreed to an immediate ceasefire, while the situation remains tense due to the actions of M23 rebels.
The African Union (AU) has expressed support for dialogue concerning the ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), welcoming talks between Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame, held in Doha on Tuesday. AU Chairperson Mahamoud Ali Youssouf commended both leaders for their commitment to dialogue, encouraging all involved parties to “maintain the momentum” of these discussions.
In a statement, Youssouf emphasized the AU’s commitment to African-led solutions, stating that the Doha discussions are aligned with ongoing regional initiatives. This meeting marked the first direct engagement between the two leaders following the actions of Rwanda-backed M23 rebels, who had seized two significant cities in the DRC earlier this year. The leaders jointly called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, with details of its implementation to follow shortly.
The talks in Qatar occurred after M23 representatives withdrew from a planned meeting with DRC officials in Angola, following EU sanctions imposed on certain rebel leaders and Rwandan military commanders. The sanctions were a response to claims of support for the M23 group, which is involved in conflicts over control in eastern DRC, a region abundant in precious minerals such as cobalt.
The M23 group, which had remained inactive for over ten years, restarted its offensive in the DRC in 2022, significantly escalating its activities and capturing key cities including Goma and Bukavu. This prolonged conflict has generated one of the largest humanitarian crises globally, affecting nearly 7 million individuals, including over 3.5 million children, according to the United Nations.
The negotiations between the DRC and Rwanda leaders signify a potential shift toward resolving ongoing violence in the region. With both sides agreeing to work toward a ceasefire, the AU’s involvement demonstrates the importance of regional cooperation. As the humanitarian crisis in eastern DRC continues to grow, these talks may provide a crucial pathway towards stability and peace for affected populations.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
