Felix Tshisekedi and Paul Kagame met in Qatar to discuss the security crisis in eastern DRC, marked by accusations of Rwandan support for the M23 rebellion. The meeting, facilitated by the emir, resulted in a mutual commitment to an immediate ceasefire and recognition of the need for direct political dialogue. Both leaders aim to address the regional instability following failed peace efforts in Angola.
On Tuesday, a significant meeting occurred in Qatar between Felix Tshisekedi, President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and Paul Kagame, President of Rwanda, facilitated by the emir to address the ongoing security crisis in eastern DRC. The DRC has accused Rwanda of enabling the M23 rebellion, which has taken control of significant territories, including South and North Kivu provinces. These allegations have been substantiated by several United Nations reports, although Kigali has repudiated them.
Regional organizations and mediators have previously endeavored to renew dialogue between the two leaders, culminating in this meeting that commenced at 4 PM local time (1 PM UTC) and lasted approximately 45 minutes. It was characterized as a cordial discussion, largely due to the emir’s involvement, who previously sought to arrange a meeting in January but faced a last-minute cancellation.
According to Tresor Kibangula from the Ebuteli Institute for Political Analysis, the pressures from Western sanctions on Kagame and the changing dynamics on the ground have led Tshisekedi to consider negotiations with the M23, a stance he had formerly opposed after the group captured vital cities like Goma and Bukavu.
In the wake of the talks, both presidents endorsed a ceasefire, with the meeting occurring shortly after a failed peace initiative in Angola. A source close to Tshisekedi stated that the secrecy surrounding the meeting was maintained until his return to Kinshasa. The leaders reiterated their commitment to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire as established during a previous African summit.
Statements released confirmed that a productive dialogue took place, fostering confidence in a collaborative approach towards securing stability in both the DRC and the surrounding region. The Rwandan presidency echoed the need for direct political dialogue addressing the conflict’s underlying causes, with Kagame expressing optimism that cooperation among stakeholders would expedite positive developments.
On the same day, peace talks in Angola were called off after the M23 group withdrew abruptly, alleging that some international entities were undermining the peace process, particularly referring to the sanctions imposed by the European Union. The M23 denounced Kinshasa’s aggressive rhetoric, which it claimed obstructed the possibility of meaningful discussions, leading to its withdrawal from the negotiations.
The EU has recently targeted three Rwandan military commanders and a mining agency chief with sanctions for their support of armed groups in eastern DRC and high-ranking M23 members. Concurrently, Rwanda has responded by severing ties with Belgium amidst these sanctions. The M23, asserting that it advocates for the rights of Congolese Tutsis, has made notable advances since January, taking essential cities and claiming over 7,000 casualties as a result. However, independent verification of these figures remains unachieved.
A UN report indicated that Rwanda exercises control over the M23 and has deployed approximately 4,000 troops to aid in controlling resource-rich regions. While Rwanda denies providing military support to the M23, it claims to be defending against threats posed by the FDLR, a group linked to the Rwandan genocide in 1994.
The meeting between President Tshisekedi and President Kagame highlights an attempt to navigate the complex security crisis in the eastern DRC, marked by accusations of Rwandan support for the M23 rebellion. The discussions culminated in an endorsement for an immediate ceasefire and the recognition of the need for a political dialogue to resolve the ongoing conflict. As both nations face intense scrutiny and pressures, steps towards cooperation could play a crucial role in establishing lasting stability in the region.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
