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DR Congo, Rwanda talk about ceasefire in initial meeting
(MENAFN) Presidents Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Paul Kagame of Rwanda have agreed to pursue negotiations aimed at ending the escalating conflict in eastern DRC, according to Qatar, which is mediating the discussions.
The two leaders met on Tuesday in Doha, marking their first direct talks since renewed hostilities involving the M23 rebel group erupted earlier this year in eastern DRC.
A joint statement from Qatar’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that Tshisekedi and Kagame reaffirmed their commitment to an “immediate and unconditional” ceasefire during their meeting, which was facilitated by Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
“The heads of state then agreed on the need to continue the discussions initiated in Doha in order to establish solid foundations for lasting peace,” the statement read.
Fighting between the Congolese army and M23 rebels has resulted in over 8,500 deaths, with insurgents seizing key cities, including Goma in North Kivu and Bukavu in South Kivu.
The meeting in Doha followed the M23 rebels’ withdrawal from planned peace talks in Angola, which were scheduled for the same day. The group backed out after the European Union imposed sanctions on its leaders. Previous peace negotiations mediated by Angola had stalled in December, as Rwanda insisted that Kinshasa engage directly with the M23.
The long-running conflict in eastern DRC, an area rich in gold, diamonds, and other minerals, has strained relations between Kinshasa and Kigali for decades. The Congolese government has accused Rwanda of supporting M23, a claim backed by UN experts. However, Rwanda denies the allegations, asserting that its troops are only deployed along its border for security reasons.
The dispute has also impacted Rwanda’s relations with Western nations. The UK recently suspended aid to Kigali over the conflict, while on Monday, Rwanda severed diplomatic ties with Belgium, accusing Brussels of lobbying for Western sanctions against Kigali. In response, Belgium expelled Rwandan diplomats and canceled bilateral agreements with its former colony.
The two leaders met on Tuesday in Doha, marking their first direct talks since renewed hostilities involving the M23 rebel group erupted earlier this year in eastern DRC.
A joint statement from Qatar’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that Tshisekedi and Kagame reaffirmed their commitment to an “immediate and unconditional” ceasefire during their meeting, which was facilitated by Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
“The heads of state then agreed on the need to continue the discussions initiated in Doha in order to establish solid foundations for lasting peace,” the statement read.
Fighting between the Congolese army and M23 rebels has resulted in over 8,500 deaths, with insurgents seizing key cities, including Goma in North Kivu and Bukavu in South Kivu.
The meeting in Doha followed the M23 rebels’ withdrawal from planned peace talks in Angola, which were scheduled for the same day. The group backed out after the European Union imposed sanctions on its leaders. Previous peace negotiations mediated by Angola had stalled in December, as Rwanda insisted that Kinshasa engage directly with the M23.
The long-running conflict in eastern DRC, an area rich in gold, diamonds, and other minerals, has strained relations between Kinshasa and Kigali for decades. The Congolese government has accused Rwanda of supporting M23, a claim backed by UN experts. However, Rwanda denies the allegations, asserting that its troops are only deployed along its border for security reasons.
The dispute has also impacted Rwanda’s relations with Western nations. The UK recently suspended aid to Kigali over the conflict, while on Monday, Rwanda severed diplomatic ties with Belgium, accusing Brussels of lobbying for Western sanctions against Kigali. In response, Belgium expelled Rwandan diplomats and canceled bilateral agreements with its former colony.
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