On March 18, DRC President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame met in Qatar to discuss the eastern Congolese conflict involving the M23 rebel group. They expressed a commitment to a ceasefire and acknowledged the necessity of continued discussions. A planned peace dialogue was cancelled when M23 withdrew following EU sanctions. The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant displacement and casualties in the region.
On March 18, the presidents of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda, Félix Tshisekedi and Paul Kagame, convened in Qatar to discuss the ongoing conflict in eastern Congo. This meeting addressed the Rwandan-backed rebel group, the March 23 Movement (M23), although the group did not participate. Both leaders reiterated their commitment to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in a joint statement following their discussion mediated by Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
Coinciding with this meeting, a planned peace dialogue led by Angola was set to commence; however, it failed to proceed after the M23 withdrew in response to European Union sanctions imposed on its leaders. The Congolese and Rwandan leaders recognized the necessity of continuing talks in Doha to establish sustainable peace. They are also scheduled to meet at a peace summit on December 15, 2024, following a ceasefire agreement established in Luanda.
The discussions in March were not the first encounter facilitated by Angolan President João Lourenço, yet they mark a significant point as it presented the possibility for the Congolese government to meet directly with the M23. Unfortunately, the Angolan Foreign Affairs Ministry confirmed that the dialogue could not hold due to unforeseen circumstances after the rebels withdrew. The M23 expressed discontent, accusing certain international entities of undermining peace negotiations.
The M23, known for its control over territories in North and South Kivu, is supported by Rwanda, as stated by the United Nations and various international authorities. The ongoing conflict has displaced over 850,000 individuals in South Kivu alone since January, with substantial fatalities reported within and around Goma, the capital of North Kivu. The group had resumed military activities in late 2021, intensifying fears of broader regional conflict, as eastern DRC has long been plagued by instability despite the presence of United Nations peacekeeping forces.
The discussions between the DRC and Rwandan leaders in Qatar underline the urgent need for dialogue to address the violent conflict in eastern Congo. Despite attempts to engage the M23 in peace talks, sanctions and subsequent setbacks illustrate the complexities of negotiating lasting peace. As the crisis continues, the conditions for regional stability remain precarious, revealing the significant humanitarian toll and the importance of international mediation.
Original Source: efe.com
