The presidents of the DRC and Rwanda met in Qatar to discuss the eastern Congo conflict involving the M23 rebel group. A joint statement emphasized their commitment to a ceasefire, while a planned peace dialogue in Angola was canceled due to the M23’s withdrawal following EU sanctions. The ongoing conflict has caused extensive human suffering and displacement in the region.
On March 18, the presidents of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda convened in Doha, Qatar, to discuss the ongoing conflict in eastern Congo, particularly addressing the role of the Rwandan-supported March 23 Movement (M23) rebel group. Notably, the meeting occurred without the direct involvement of the M23, which had previously withdrawn from a proposed peace dialogue in Angola following EU sanctions against its leaders.
A joint statement post-meeting reaffirmed the commitment of all parties to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire. Both leaders agreed to extend the discussions initiated in Doha to establish a foundation for sustainable peace. Meanwhile, a peace summit previously scheduled for December 15, 2024, has been complicated by disagreements regarding the M23’s involvement in negotiations.
The Angolan Foreign Affairs Ministry announced the cancellation of the direct dialogue that was anticipated on March 18, citing “force majeure” as the reason, as the M23 rescinded their participation in light of the imposed sanctions. The Congo River Alliance, which includes the M23, expressed regret that certain international entities are allegedly undermining peace efforts.
Rwanda’s support for the M23 has been noted by multiple countries and organizations, including the United Nations. The rebel group has established control over the capitals of North and South Kivu provinces, an area endowed with minerals vital for technology production. Since January, violence has escalated, displacing over 850,000 individuals in South Kivu and resulting in significant casualties in North Kivu, raising concerns about a potential regional war amidst long-standing conflict in eastern DRC, exacerbated by the presence of the UN peacekeeping mission.
In summary, the meeting between President Félix Tshisekedi of the DRC and President Paul Kagame of Rwanda in Qatar aimed to address the conflict in eastern Congo involving the M23 rebel group. Their commitment to a ceasefire and ongoing discussions highlights the complexities of achieving lasting peace amid disagreements over the rebel group’s involvement. The situation remains dire, with significant human displacement and ongoing violence in the region.
Original Source: efe.com
