The African Union supports talks between DRC President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame in Doha, aimed at addressing the ongoing conflict fueled by M23 rebels. The leaders have called for an immediate ceasefire, while AU Chairperson Youssouf commends their commitment to dialogue. This meeting comes amid heightened tensions and sanctions against M23 and Rwandan military officials.
On a recent occasion, the African Union (AU) expressed its support for the discussions held in Doha between Rwandan President Paul Kagame and Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi. This meeting comes amid ongoing violence in eastern DRC, a region rich in minerals. AU Chairperson Mahamoud Ali Youssouf praised the leaders for their dedication to dialogue and emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum in their efforts toward peace.
During their talks, which were the first since the M23 rebels, allegedly supported by Rwanda, captured key cities in eastern DRC, both leaders agreed on the necessity of an immediate and unconditional ceasefire. Details regarding the ceasefire’s implementation are expected in the forthcoming days, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
The discussions took place after representatives from the M23 rebel group withdrew from a scheduled meeting with DRC officials in Angola. This decision followed the implementation of sanctions by the European Union against senior M23 members and certain Rwandan military officials due to their involvement with the rebel group.
M23, among over 200 armed factions contesting control in the eastern DRC, has rekindled its offensive activities after a decade-long dormancy. They resumed their campaign in 2022, seizing significant locations, including the strategic city of Goma and Bukavu shortly thereafter. This conflict has led to a humanitarian crisis impacting nearly 7 million individuals, including 3.5 million children, as reported by the United Nations.
The talks in Doha between the leaders of Rwanda and the DRC represent a significant step in addressing the ongoing conflict fueled by the M23 rebellion. The AU’s support for these discussions underscores the vital importance of diplomatic engagement in resolving African conflicts. The precarious situation in eastern DRC, characterized by widespread violence and humanitarian crises, necessitates urgent and collaborative efforts to restore peace and stability.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
