Leaders of Congo and Rwanda Express Support for Ceasefire at Qatar Meeting
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Synopsis
During a Qatar-mediated meeting, the Presidents of the DRC and Rwanda voiced their support for an immediate ceasefire in eastern DRC, reaffirming commitments made at a previous summit in Tanzania, amidst ongoing violence and humanitarian crisis.
Key Takeaways
- Ceasefire Support: Leaders support immediate ceasefire in eastern DRC.
- Joint Commitment: Agreement made at Tanzania summit.
- Ongoing Violence: Conflict with M23 intensifies.
- Humanitarian Crisis: Thousands displaced due to violence.
- Negotiation Stalemate: DRC refuses to negotiate with rebels.
Doha, March 19 (NationPress) The Presidents of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda convened during a meeting facilitated by Qatar, where they expressed their backing for a ceasefire in the eastern DRC.
A joint statement issued on Tuesday by Qatar's Foreign Ministry highlighted the attendance of DRC President Felix Tshisekedi, Rwandan President Paul Kagame, and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, as reported by the Xinhua news agency.
The statement emphasized the leaders' dedication to an "immediate and unconditional" ceasefire as agreed upon at a February summit in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. They also acknowledged the necessity of continuing discussions initiated in Doha to lay a strong foundation for enduring peace.
Recent months have seen a surge in clashes between the DRC government and the March 23 Movement (M23) rebel group, which has launched significant offensives in the eastern provinces of North Kivu and South Kivu, seizing several strategic towns.
This ongoing conflict has led to the displacement of thousands, worsening the humanitarian situation in eastern DRC.
The M23 previously urged Tshisekedi to publicly commit to direct negotiations. However, the DRC government has firmly maintained that negotiating with the rebels is a red line.
Additionally, the DRC has accused Rwanda of backing the M23, while Rwanda has countered by alleging that the DRC military has allied with the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda, which was implicated in the 1994 genocide.
