Summary:
However, it remains uncertain whether the M23 insurgents will comply, as they now control more territory in eastern Congo than ever before, including the region’s two largest cities.
DOHA: Democratic Republic of Congo President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in eastern Congo during their first meeting since the M23 rebels escalated their offensive in January.
A joint statement, issued alongside Qatar, whose emir mediated the talks in Doha, emphasized the urgency of halting hostilities.
However, it remains uncertain whether the M23 insurgents will comply, as they now control more territory in eastern Congo than ever before, including the region’s two largest cities.
Congo has accused Rwanda of providing weapons and deploying troops to support the rebels, a claim Kigali denies, asserting that its forces are acting in self-defense against the Congolese army and militias hostile to Rwanda.
Efforts to broker peace have faced setbacks. A planned meeting in Angola between the Congolese government and M23 leaders collapsed when the rebels withdrew at the last moment on Monday.
Despite the challenges, Tshisekedi and Kagame agreed in Qatar to continue discussions aimed at establishing a lasting peace. A diplomat familiar with the talks described them as “informal” and not intended to replace ongoing diplomatic initiatives.
The conflict in eastern Congo, rooted in the aftermath of Rwanda’s 1994 genocide and competition over the region’s vast mineral resources, has worsened since January, resulting in thousands of deaths and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people.
Qatar, which has a history of mediating international conflicts including recent negotiations between Israel and Hamas played a key role in facilitating the talks. Analysts suggest Kagame’s close ties with Qatar made it difficult for him to decline the invitation, a factor Tshisekedi likely considered as he seeks a resolution to the crisis.
“Developments on the ground are making things difficult for Felix Tshisekedi. He needs to find a solution,” said Congolese analyst Bob Kabamba of the University of Liège in Belgium.
