Kagame-Tshisekedi meet offers hope for ceasefire

A meeting between Rwandan President Paul Kagame and his Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) counterpart Felix Tshisekedi in Doha, Qatar, has offered a glimmer of hope for a ceasefire in the volatile east.

In a statement released after the meeting, the Congolese presidency said Mr Tshisekedi and Mr Kagame agreed to an “immediate and unconditional ceasefire,” a significant step considering previous failed attempts. “The two heads of state reaffirmed their commitment to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire.

The modalities for implementing what has been agreed will be specified in the coming days within the framework of the achievements of the Luanda and Nairobi processes,” stated the DRC presidency. The meeting, facilitated by the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, occurred against a backdrop of severed diplomatic ties and heightened tensions following M23 rebel advances in eastern DRC.

The Rwandan presidency highlighted key discussions surrounding the FDLR activities and the need for dialogue with M23. “The need to address the issue of FDRL genocidal forces and to have security guarantees for Rwanda and the region was also emphasised,” the statement read in part. “The leaders also discussed the urgent need for direct political dialogue with AFC/M23 as key to addressing the root causes of the conflict in Eastern DRC,” the Rwandan statement added.

The Qatar Foreign Affairs Ministry confirmed the continuation of discussions, aiming to merge existing peace processes. They stated that the leaders agreed to continue the discussions initiated in Doha “in order to establish solid foundations for lasting peace as envisioned in the Luanda/Nairobi process, now merged.”

International Sanctions and Regional Responses: Western nations, including the European Union and the United States, have imposed sanctions on Rwanda, accusing it of military intervention in DRC. The EU recently sanctioned Rwandan military officials and M23 leaders, along with the Gasabo Gold Refinery.

These actions have prompted retaliatory measures from Rwanda, including the expulsion of Belgian diplomats. Meanwhile, regional efforts continue, with EAC and SADC foreign affairs ministers meeting in Dar es Salaam to establish a monitoring secretariat.

Their joint summit had called for a ceasefire, foreign troop withdrawal, and talks with M23. A planned meeting between the DRC government and M23 in Luanda was derailed after M23 pulled out, citing EU sanctions. President Kagame has addressed the nation, acknowledging the economic pressures caused by sanctions.

“I want to tell you that being yourself, standing firm in your identity, is not easy, it is an arduous task. Just like liberating this country. It required sacrifices, and some had to give up the most valuable thing a person has: life itself,” he said. “Rwandans sacrificed their lives so that our country could become what it deserved to be. We Rwandans must be ready to tighten our belts. And not just tightening belts, we must fight for our rights. It is our duty to fight for our...

IMPACT ON UGANDA

The ongoing conflict and its economic repercussions have significant implications for neighbouring Uganda, which often experiences an influx of refugees and economic migrants.