Felix Tshisekedi of the DRC and Paul Kagame of Rwanda held crisis talks in Qatar mediated by the emir, addressing the security situation in eastern DRC. Both leaders agreed on the necessity of an immediate ceasefire following recent setbacks in peace talks. Tshisekedi appears more willing to engage with the M23 group, amidst claims of Rwandan military support for the rebels, while Rwanda denies such allegations.
On Tuesday in Qatar, Felix Tshisekedi, the President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), met with Paul Kagame, the President of Rwanda, to discuss the ongoing security crisis in eastern DRC. The meeting, mediated by the emir of Qatar, aimed to alleviate tensions following accusations that Rwanda supports the M23 rebellion, which has captured significant territories in the provinces of South and North Kivu. While these allegations are supported by United Nations reports, Rwanda denies any involvement.
Sources indicate that the talks commenced at 4 PM local time and lasted approximately 45 minutes. The atmosphere was characterized as “cordial,” facilitated by the emir’s previous efforts to bring the two leaders together. An earlier planned meeting in January 2023 was unexpectedly cancelled, highlighting the complexities of diplomatic negotiations in the region.
Political analyst Tresor Kibangula noted that increasing Western sanctions are beginning to pressurize Kagame, and there are indications that Tshisekedi has become more amenable to negotiating with the M23 coalition, a shift from his previous stance. This change is attributed to the evolving balance of power following significant territorial gains by the M23.
Following the meeting, both leaders endorsed a call for a ceasefire, particularly poignant after the recent collapse of peace talks in Angola. A statement revealed that they reaffirmed their commitment to immediate and unconditional ceasefire, aligning with agreements reached at a prior African summit. The meeting was described as fruitful, fostering a mutual commitment to a secure future for the DRC and the surrounding region.
In a related statement, Kagame emphasized the need for “direct political dialogue” to tackle the underlying causes of the conflict in eastern DRC. Reports from the Rwandan presidency confirmed that an immediate ceasefire had been agreed upon, with implementation details to be arranged in the following days.
Meanwhile, a significant setback occurred when peace talks in Angola were cancelled following the M23 group’s sudden withdrawal. The M23 condemned certain international bodies for allegedly undermining peace efforts, citing sanctions from the European Union that they claim obstruct direct dialogue. The group accused Kinshasa of a hostile campaign, asserting that these conditions rendered discussions untenable.
The European Union recently imposed sanctions on Rwandan military commanders linked to the M23, claiming facilitation of armed factions in the DRC. Rwanda, however, continues to refute claims of military support for the M23, maintaining that it faces threats in the region from rival groups.
The M23 asserts its actions are in defense of Congolese Tutsis, with recent offensives resulting in significant casualties and highlighting the need for urgent diplomatic intervention. A UN report suggests that Rwanda exercises control over the M23, leveraging the situation to monetize the region’s valuable mineral resources. Diplomatic ties with Belgium have been strained as Rwanda reacts to international actions against its leaders.
The recent meeting between Presidents Tshisekedi and Kagame marks a possible turning point in the protracted conflict in eastern DRC, highlighting the urgency for dialogue and commitment to ceasefire. Despite contrasting narratives regarding military involvement and territorial claims, the leaders’ willingness to engage in negotiations offers hope for resolution. Continued international scrutiny and pressure will be crucial in shaping future diplomatic efforts and ensuring regional stability.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
