Democratic Republic of the Congo President Felix Zisekedi and his Rwandan counterpart Paul Kagame called for an “immediate ceasefire” in eastern Congo after having spoken in person in Qatar.
It is the first time two leaders have met since the Rwandan-backed M23 rebels stepped up their attacks in the region. Authorities say 7,000 people have been killed since January.
It is unclear whether the M23 will listen to the call for a ceasefire after rebels refused to attend peace talks in Angola on Tuesday.
Dr. Congo accused Rwanda of arming the M23 and sending troops to support rebels in the conflict. Despite allegations from both the United Nations and the United States, Rwanda refused to support the M23.
Rwanda said its forces are acting in self-defense against the Congolese Army Dr. and the Allied Militia. Dr. Congo also accused Rwanda of illegally exploiting mineral deposits in the east of the country, but also denied it.
In December last year, Angola-brokered peace negotiations collapsed after Rwanda demanded that the Congolese government doctor speak directly to the M23.
The rebel group then proceeded quickly, dominating two major cities, Goma and Bukavu, over the past two months.
According to a joint statement released by Qatar’s Foreign Ministry on Tuesday, the two African presidents reaffirmed their commitment to a “immediate and unconditional” ceasefire, but it was not clear how this would be implemented or monitored.
“The head of state has since agreed to the need to continue the discussions launched in Doha to establish a solid foundation for peace,” he added.
The two leaders were met with many surprises as they often seemed uncompromised on the conflicts that exchanged barbs in public.
Confirming consultations in Qatar’s capital, the Rwandan president argued in another statement that direct consultations between Dr. Congo and M23 are “keys to addressing the root causes of the conflict.”
President Kagame expressed his belief that “all stakeholders can work together to move forward faster.”
Congolese spokeswomantina Salama said talks have been launched by Prime Minister The Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, describing the Gulf state as “a strategic alliance of two (Africa) countries.”
In a presidential statement, the Congolese government said the meeting marks the first step towards the foundation of lasting peace in the unstable East and suggests further consultations.
The meeting of the two leaders came as a previous attempt to link Dr. Congo’s government with M23 rebels for peace negotiations. The rebels retreated on Monday after the European Union announced sanctions on their leadership.
