Presidents of Congo and Rwanda held direct talks in Qatar on Tuesday, marking their first meeting since M23 captured two key cities in the mineral-rich eastern Congo earlier this year.
The discussions between Congo’s President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame, focused on addressing the ongoing insurgency, were facilitated by Qatar. A joint statement from the three governments confirmed the meeting, and the Qatar News Agency released a photo of the two African leaders with Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the ruling emir of the energy-rich nation.
During the talks, Congo and Rwanda reiterated their commitment to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire. However, the statement did not provide details on how the ceasefire would be enforced or monitored. This summit followed a failed attempt to broker ceasefire negotiations between Congo’s government and M23 leaders. The rebels withdrew from the talks on Monday after the European Union imposed sanctions on several of their leaders.
A diplomat familiar with the meeting revealed that both President Tshisekedi and President Kagame had formally asked Qatar to mediate the discussions. According to the diplomat, the talks were informal and focused on fostering trust rather than resolving all contentious issues. The diplomat, who spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity due to lack of authorization to discuss the matter publicly, shared these details.
Peace negotiations between Congo and Rwanda were abruptly called off in December after Rwanda insisted that any peace agreement be contingent on direct talks between Congo and the M23 a condition Congo rejected at the time.
Tensions in eastern Congo intensified in January when M23 made significant advances, capturing the strategic city of Goma. This was followed by the takeover of Bukavu in February.