Somalia Supports Mediation Efforts to Resolve DR Congo Crisis
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Synopsis
Somalia has shown its support for mediation efforts leading to a meeting between DRC and Rwandan leaders in Doha. The discussions aim to build trust and address ongoing conflicts, with a focus on achieving lasting peace in the region.
Key Takeaways
- Somalia welcomes mediation in DRC crisis.
- Meeting held between DRC and Rwandan leaders in Doha.
- Qatar plays a key role in facilitating dialogue.
- Immediate cease-fire is called for by both leaders.
- Importance of trust-building for lasting peace.
Mogadishu, March 20 (NationPress) Somalia has expressed its support for the mediation initiatives that have led to a meeting between the leaders of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda in Doha, the capital of Qatar.
The meeting, which took place on Wednesday, involved DRC President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame, with mediation provided by Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. The goal is to establish the trust needed to address ongoing issues, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
The Somalian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation stated, "The trilateral discussions in Doha represent a crucial advancement toward achieving peace and stability in eastern DRC and the broader region."
The government of Somalia praised all parties for their commitment to an immediate and unconditional cease-fire, affirming its full backing for these diplomatic endeavors and expressing solidarity with the citizens of DRC and Rwanda in their quest for enduring peace and prosperity.
"We appreciate the efforts of Qatar in fostering meaningful dialogue and mediation to settle conflicts through peaceful avenues," the ministry added, noting that the conversations initiated in Doha lay a vital groundwork for a sustainable resolution to the crisis.
The Doha meeting marked the first encounter between Kagame and Tshisekedi since the March 23 Movement (M23) rebels escalated their offensive in eastern DRC in recent months.
This rebel faction captured the strategic city of Goma in January, followed by Bukavu in February.
After their direct talks in Doha, the two leaders called for an "immediate cease-fire" on Tuesday, although it remains uncertain if the M23 rebels, who had previously withdrawn from peace negotiations in Angola, would respond to the cease-fire appeal.
