The M23 group has declared a humanitarian ceasefire in eastern DRC, coinciding with crisis talks between President Tshisekedi and Kagame planned for Friday. Despite the ceasefire, past conflicts and accusations of Rwandan involvement raise doubts about a lasting resolution. The region continues to face significant humanitarian challenges, necessitating urgent diplomatic intervention.
The M23 armed group has announced a humanitarian ceasefire effective from Tuesday in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), coinciding with planned crisis talks between Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame on Friday. In their statement, M23 declared that it would not seek to take control of localities like Bukavu, despite previous intentions to advance towards the Congolese capital, Kinshasa.
Fighting erupted in Goma, the capital of North Kivu, over the past week, with M23 rebels reportedly receiving support from Rwandan troops. Although fighting has subsided in Goma, concerns linger as clashes have shifted to South Kivu, indicating a possible advance towards Bukavu. Historically, multiple ceasefires have been declared over the past four years, but none have been upheld, raising skepticism about this latest announcement.
Patrick Muyaya, the DRC’s Communications Minister, alleged that President Kagame’s claims of non-involvement in the conflict are unsubstantiated. He condemned Kagame’s mobilization of troops near civilian areas and highlighted the crisis’s human toll. Concurrently, a UN representative stated that the DRC requested an emergency session of the UN Human Rights Council to discuss the Goma situation, targeting February 7th for the session in Geneva.
In South Africa, President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasized the necessity of a ceasefire for effective peace talks that should include all relevant parties. He reaffirmed support for President Tshisekedi while noting the sacrifices of South African soldiers deployed in North Kivu. Ramaphosa indicated that diplomacy is vital for sustainable peace for the DRC and its citizens.
The Kenyan presidency has announced an extraordinary summit involving Tshisekedi and Kagame scheduled for Saturday in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. This summit follows calls for cooperation among member states of the East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) due to rising tensions in the region. Analysts suggest that rapid progress in scheduling talks may signal a positive potential for renewed diplomacy in eastern DRC.
However, differences persist regarding the approach to resolve the conflict. The EAC favors direct negotiations with the M23, which Tshisekedi has publicly rejected, opting instead for a SADC-led peacekeeping force that stipulates Rwanda’s withdrawal from the DRC. Participation in the summit is uncertain for Tshisekedi, highlighting ongoing diplomatic challenges despite Kagame confirming his attendance.
The M23, a militia group from the eastern DRC, has been engaged in conflict with the Congolese government for years, often accused of receiving support from Rwanda. The region is rich in minerals, making it a focal point for armed conflict fueled by international interests. M23’s prior aggressive advances in cities like Goma and Bukavu have prompted multiple ceasefire declarations, which have all failed. The current situation is further complicated by the geopolitical implications of Rwanda’s alleged involvement, the humanitarian impact on civilians, and the regional diplomatic efforts to stabilize the area.
In conclusion, the M23’s declaration of a ceasefire is a crucial step ahead of upcoming talks between DRC and Rwandan leaders, yet there remains significant skepticism about achieving lasting peace. Historical precedents of failed ceasefires complicate the situation, as do the differing perspectives among regional stakeholders on how best to resolve the conflict. Continued diplomatic efforts are necessary to address the complexities of the ongoing violence and humanitarian crisis in eastern DRC.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
