In a significant move towards peace, the presidents of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda called for an immediate ceasefire in eastern Congo on March 18.
The announcement followed a high-stakes meeting in Doha, mediated by Qatar’s emir, marking the first encounter between President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame since violence escalated in the region in January.
A joint statement from the two leaders, backed by Qatar, emphasized the urgency of a ceasefire that is “immediate and unconditional.”
However, questions remain regarding the M23 rebel group’s response, which has significantly expanded its control over eastern Congo, including key cities.
The conflict, rooted in historical tensions from Rwanda’s 1994 genocide and ongoing competition for mineral resources, has led to widespread devastation.
Congo accuses Rwanda of supporting the rebels with arms and troops, while Rwanda defends its actions as self-defense against hostile Congolese forces.
Despite efforts by neighboring countries to mediate, an earlier peace attempt in Angola collapsed when M23 rebels withdrew from talks.
In Doha, Tshisekedi and Kagame expressed a commitment to continue discussions, aiming for “lasting peace.”
The conflict has already claimed thousands of lives and displaced hundreds of thousands.
With Qatar’s diplomatic influence at play, analysts suggest that the country’s relationship with Rwanda played a pivotal role in bringing Kagame to the table.
However, both leaders acknowledged the complexities of finding a lasting resolution amidst the mounting crisis.
