Photos: YouTube Screenshots
The presidents of DR Congo and Rwanda met in Qatar for their first direct talks since the Kigali-backed M23 rebels accelerated their offensive in eastern DR Congo.
All parties called for an “immediate and unconditional ceasefire” at the meeting on Tuesday, committing to further discussions “to establish solid foundations for lasting peace.” Kigali’s participation is notable: Rwanda has denied backing the M23, and had earlier insisted on direct dialogue between Kinshasa and the rebels. It was unclear if M23 would heed the call for a truce. The group pulled out of a separate planned meeting with DR Congo leaders in Angola on Tuesday over sanctions imposed by the European Union on some senior M23 members.
The talks also cast a spotlight on Qatar, which has worked as a mediator in several conflicts in recent months, most notably between Israel and Hamas. Doha shares close ties with Rwanda: Qatar Airways has been closing in on a long-discussed deal to take a 49% stake in Rwanda’s national airline and a 60% stake in a new international airport outside Kigali.
