The M23 group has declared a humanitarian ceasefire in eastern DRC as crisis talks between leaders from DRC and Rwanda are set for Friday. Violence in the region continues, with recent clashes around Goma and beyond raising concerns. Regional leaders advocate for negotiations to resolve hostilities, although differing strategies complicate progress.
The M23 armed group has declared a humanitarian ceasefire starting this Tuesday in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), coinciding with pending crisis talks between Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame on Friday. M23, part of the River Congo Alliance, announced the ceasefire to address humanitarian needs, despite its recent intent to advance towards Kinshasa. Fighting had escalated around Goma, the North Kivu capital, with M23 supported by Rwandan troops, although clashes have recently spread to South Kivu.
DRC Communications Minister Patrick Muyaya expressed skepticism regarding Rwandan denials of military involvement, asserting that President Kagame mobilized troops close to civilian populations, leading to atrocities covered up by authorities. The DRC is pursuing an emergency UN Human Rights Council session on the Goma crisis, seeking to address the violence. Meanwhile, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasized the importance of a ceasefire to foster peace talks that include all involved parties.
The involvement of regional leaders in upcoming talks in Tanzania aims to facilitate a diplomatic resolution amidst fears of broader conflict. However, the differing approaches to negotiation between the EAC, which prefers direct talks between the DRC and M23, and the SADC’s insistence on Rwanda’s withdrawal complicate the situation. President Tshisekedi’s attendance at the summit remains uncertain, with prior reports indicating Rwanda’s military presence within the DRC.
In the broader context, the DRC is rich in valuable minerals, yet tensions concerning mineral mining contribute to the ongoing hostilities. Both nations continue to accuse one another of providing support to various armed groups, which further complicates the path towards peace.
The ongoing conflict in eastern DRC has roots in historical tensions between Rwanda and the DRC, particularly following the 1994 Rwandan genocide that led to massive population movements into DRC. The M23 group, which emerged in 2012, has been accused of being backed by Rwanda, igniting ongoing disputes over military and political influence in the region. Multiple ceasefires have previously failed, indicating the entrenched nature of the conflict.
In summary, the M23’s declaration of a ceasefire marks a temporary reprieve in the ongoing conflict between armed groups and state forces in the DRC. Diplomatic efforts are being pursued to address the humanitarian crisis and to reestablish peace through regional talks. However, significant challenges remain due to differing perspectives on conflict resolution between nations involved.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
