The African Union has welcomed the talks between DRC President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame in Doha, urging ongoing dialogue amidst the conflict in eastern DRC. The leaders called for an immediate ceasefire following significant territorial gains by M23 rebels. The talks highlight the AU’s dedication to African-led solutions to regional issues, while the EU’s sanctions against M23 and Rwandan military officials illustrate the international implications of the conflict.
The African Union (AU) has expressed its approval of the recent talks held in Doha between Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame, as fighting continues in the resource-rich eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). AU Chairperson Mahamoud Ali Youssouf praised both leaders for their dedication to dialogue and urged all involved parties to sustain this momentum towards peace.
In a statement, Youssouf emphasized the AU’s commitment to African-led solutions to regional challenges, noting that the Doha discussions align with ongoing constructive engagement efforts. This meeting marks the first direct dialogue between the leaders since the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels captured key cities in eastern DRC earlier this year.
During their discussions, the leaders called for an “immediate and unconditional ceasefire,” with concrete implementation details to follow shortly. This meeting in Qatar came after M23 representatives withdrew from a scheduled meeting in Angola, following EU sanctions placed on several of the group’s senior members, including its leader Bertrand Bisimwa, and on three Rwandan military commanders for their alleged collaboration with M23.
The M23 group is among over 200 armed factions competing for control of territories in eastern DRC, which possesses significant mineral wealth. The Congolese government, supported by the United States and UN experts, has accused Rwanda of backing M23, a claim that the Rwandan government has denied. The group’s resurgence in activity since 2022 has led to severe humanitarian crises, currently affecting nearly seven million individuals, including approximately 3.5 million children, according to UN estimates.
In conclusion, the AU’s endorsement of the Doha talks signifies a pivotal step towards addressing escalating tensions between Rwanda and the DRC. The commitment to an immediate ceasefire and the constructive engagement demonstrated by the leaders present an opportunity to stabilize a region deeply affected by conflict and humanitarian crises. The international community’s involvement, notably through EU sanctions, underscores the complexity of the situation as various stakeholders navigate the path to peace.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
