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The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) government and the Rwandan-backed M23 group have made a significant joint announcement, revealing their commitment to cease hostilities in the eastern region as they strive for a lasting peace agreement.
This unexpected development follows a series of talks facilitated by Qatar, during which both parties expressed their intent to pursue a truce amid ongoing conflict that has seen the M23 group seize control of several strategic cities in the tumultuous area.
Since 2021, attempts at establishing truces have been frequent but have repeatedly failed, with over six ceasefires collapsing. This precarious situation has raised concerns among United Nations experts and Western governments, who assert that Rwanda provides covert support to M23, claims the Rwandan government has consistently denied. A recent statement from a US envoy urged Rwanda to withdraw its forces from DRC territory.
During a broadcast on DRC national television, representatives from both the government and the M23 group affirmed their commitment to an immediate stop to hostilities. They clarified that this cessation would remain in effect throughout the duration of ongoing discussions and until a final agreement is reached.
The eastern DRC has been plagued by conflicts for the last thirty years, with tensions escalating as M23 advances have threatened major urban centers like Goma and Bukavu. The conflict has led to substantial loss of life and mass displacements, heightening fears of a wider regional conflict.
President Félix Tshisekedi of the DRC has historically resisted engaging in direct negotiations with M23, viewing them as proxies of Rwanda. However, diplomatic dynamics shifted when unexpected meetings occurred in Doha in early March between Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame, which subsequently encouraged discussions about a potential ceasefire.
Majed Al-Ansari, a spokesperson for the Qatari foreign ministry, expressed optimism regarding the agreement and emphasized the need for the involved parties to aim for a resolution that meets the peace and developmental aspirations of the Congolese people.
A source familiar with the discussions indicated that the talks in Doha had been productive, with both sides preparing for more comprehensive discussions aimed at establishing the groundwork for a thorough political settlement. This source indicated that future negotiations are expected to resume in Doha in the coming weeks.
Qatar has sought to foster economic ties with both Rwanda and DRC, having recently committed over $1 billion to develop a new airport near Kigali.
While Rwanda has consistently maintained that it does not have military assets in the DRC, it frequently articulates its security concerns regarding cross-border threats. The Rwandan government insists on the necessity of dismantling Hutu militias operating within DRC, a remnant of the 1994 Rwandan genocide and an ongoing point of contention in regional security discussions.
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