DR Congo and Rwanda Agree to Ceasefire After Sheikh Emir’s Mediation
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda have taken a significant step towards a ceasefire. This is following high-level talks mediated by Qatar’s Emir in Doha. In a historic meeting, DRC President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame engaged in direct discussions for the first time. Since Rwanda-backed M23 rebels seized Bukavu and Goma, two major cities in eastern DRC.
Call for an Immediate Ceasefire
In a joint statement issued alongside Qatar, both nations called for an “immediate ceasefire”. This is to curb escalating violence in the region.
“Kigali and Kinshasa agreed on the need to continue the discussions initiated in Doha to establish solid foundations for lasting peace,” the statement read.
Tensions Over Rwanda’s Alleged Support for M23 Rebels
The DRC has long accused Rwanda of providing military backing to the M23 rebels a claim Rwanda has consistently denied. The conflict intensified after M23 representatives withdrew from a scheduled peace dialogue in Angola on Tuesday, following the European Union’s decision to sanction key M23 leaders, including Bertrand Bisimwa.
In response, M23 stated that the sanctions have severely hindered direct negotiations, limiting any prospects for progress.
EU Sanctions on Rwandan Officials
The European Union has also imposed sanctions on three senior Rwandan military commanders and Rwanda’s mining agency chief over alleged support for the M23 rebels. These measures have further strained diplomatic relations in the Great Lakes region.
A Crisis in Eastern DRC
M23 is one of approximately 100 armed groups vying for control over the resource-rich eastern DRC, near the Rwandan border. The ongoing violence has led to one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, with an estimated 7 million people displaced.
According to UN experts, the rebels are reportedly supported by around 4,000 Rwandan troops, further complicating efforts to restore stability in the region.
As discussions continue, the international community is closely monitoring whether the ceasefire agreement will hold and pave the way for lasting peace in the troubled region.
