Written By |
Rwanda insists that DR Congo should hold direct talks with M23 rebels (BBC Photo)
Search
Doha, Qatar
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) and Rwanda have called for an immediate ceasefire in eastern DR Congo following direct talks between President Félix Tshisekedi and President Paul Kagame in Qatar.
This marks the first face-to-face meeting between the two leaders since Rwanda-backed M23 rebels intensified their offensive in the region, where authorities report that 7,000 people have been killed since January. However, it remains unclear whether M23 rebels will comply with the ceasefire, as they refused to attend peace talks in Angola on Tuesday.
Rwanda-DR Congo tensions
DR Congo has long accused Rwanda of arming M23 and deploying troops to support the rebels. These allegations are backed by reports from the United Nations and the United States, but Rwanda has denied any involvement. Kigali insists its forces are acting in self-defense against the Congolese army and allied militias. DR Congo has also accused Rwanda of illegally exploiting its mineral deposits, an allegation Rwanda also denies.
Recent fighting and M23's advance
Last December, peace talks in Angola collapsed after Rwanda demanded that DR Congo hold direct negotiations with M23. Since then, the rebel group has seized control of key cities, including Goma and Bukavu, over the past two months.
Qatar-brokered ceasefire agreement
According to a joint statement released by Qatar's Foreign Ministry on Tuesday, the two presidents reaffirmed their commitment to an "immediate and unconditional" ceasefire—but details on how it would be implemented or monitored remain unclear.
"The heads of state agreed on the need to continue discussions initiated in Doha to establish solid foundations for lasting peace," the statement added.
The meeting surprised many observers, as Tshisekedi and Kagame have previously exchanged public criticisms, showing little willingness to compromise.
Future talks still uncertain
While confirming the talks, Rwanda’s presidency reiterated that direct negotiations between DR Congo and M23 are "key to addressing the root causes of the conflict."
"With all parties working together, things can move forward faster," Kagame said.
DR Congo's presidential spokeswoman Tina Salama described Qatar as a "strategic ally" of both nations, confirming that the talks were initiated by Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
DR Congo’s government called the meeting "a first step towards a lasting peace", suggesting more talks could follow. The discussions come after M23 rebels withdrew from previous peace talks on Monday following the European Union's announcement of sanctions on the group's leadership.
Source: BBC
