President Kagame and President Tshisekedi met in Qatar to discuss deescalating tensions in Eastern DRC. Their dialogue focused on the EAC-SADC process and the need for security guarantees against FDLR forces. Cautious optimism surrounds the meeting, as leaders express hope for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
On Tuesday, President Paul Kagame held discussions with Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) President Felix Antoine Tshisekedi, facilitated by Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani at Lusail Palace in Qatar. The objective of these talks was to mitigate rising tensions and facilitate peace in Eastern DRC.
During the meeting, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the Eastern African Community-Southern African Development Community (EAC-SADC) initiative as the main approach towards achieving a sustainable resolution to the DRC conflict. They also highlighted the necessity of addressing the threat posed by FDLR genocidal forces and emphasized the importance of establishing security assurances for Rwanda and the greater region.
The discussions included a critical examination of the requirement for direct political dialogue with AFC/M23, which is deemed essential for tackling the fundamental issues causing unrest in Eastern DRC. President Kagame conveyed his optimism about the potential for progress if all parties collaborate effectively and expressed gratitude to Sheikh Tamim for aiding constructive dialogue aimed at establishing lasting peace.
A joint statement from Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that the meeting acknowledged progress from recent initiatives, including the Luanda and Nairobi processes, as well as the EAC-SADC summit convened in Dar es Salaam on February 8, 2025. The leaders reiterated their commitment to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, as agreed during the summit and emphasized the importance of sustained discussions initiated in Doha to lay a foundation for lasting peace.
Qatar’s facilitation of this important dialogue was praised by both leaders, who recognized its role in nurturing confidence and commitment toward a secure and stable future for both the DRC and the surrounding region. Public sentiment around the meeting in Qatar reflected cautious optimism, with many expressing hope that meaningful resolutions to the ongoing conflict would emerge from this dialogue.
The meeting between Presidents Kagame and Tshisekedi in Qatar marks a significant step toward addressing the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo. By emphasizing dialogue and cooperation, the leaders aim to foster an environment conducive to peace. The commitment to the EAC-SADC process and the focus on security guarantees illustrate a comprehensive approach to restore stability in the region. The support from Qatar in facilitating these discussions is pivotal, contributing to a collaborative effort for sustainable resolution. Continued engagement remains essential for lasting peace and security.
Original Source: www.ktpress.rw
