Qatar Holds Peace Talks Between Congo and Rwanda, Also Speaks with Rebels Amid Rising Tensions
Qatar is trying to help bring peace between Congo and Rwanda, two neighboring countries locked in a violent conflict.
On Friday, Qatari mediators held another round of talks between the leaders of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda, according to Reuters. fighting against Congo’s government.
What’s Happening Between Congo and Rwanda?
As Reuters explains, Congo and Rwanda have been in conflict because of the M23 rebel group, which has been fighting in eastern Congo. Congo’s President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame met last week in Qatar’s capital, Doha, marking their first official discussion since January, when M23 intensified its attacks. Reuters reports that their meeting ended with a call for a ceasefire, giving hope that the violence could slow down.
However, Reuters notes that M23 completely rejected this ceasefire, saying that peace can only happen if they have direct talks with Congo’s government. Instead of stopping, the rebels kept fighting and captured a key town.
Meanwhile, Reuters confirms that Qatari mediators met with M23 representatives on Friday, but the rebels did not speak with Congolese or Rwandan officials.
Why Is Rwanda Involved?
According to Reuters, Congo believes Rwanda is secretly supporting the M23 rebels by sending them troops and weapons.
Rwanda denies this, saying its soldiers are only defending themselves from attacks by Congo’s army and armed groups linked to the 1994 Rwandan genocide, where around 1 million people—mostly Tutsis—were killed.
The situation is getting more dangerous, as Reuters reports that the armies of Congo, Rwanda, and Burundi are all now involved in the fighting. Uganda also has thousands of troops in eastern Congo, officially helping to fight another rebel group, but many Congolese do not trust Uganda because of its past involvement in wars against Congo’s government.
Uganda’s Controversial Comments Spark Anger
The tensions increased after Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the son of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, made a shocking statement on social media. According to Reuters, Kainerugaba, who is a top Ugandan military officer, suggested that Uganda might capture a city in northern Congo if M23 does not take it first.
This comment angered Congo’s army, and General Jacques Ychaligonza openly criticized Uganda, saying his country is not happy about those remarks, Reuters reports. However, Uganda’s military later tried to downplay the situation, with a spokesperson saying that people should not take social media posts seriously.
What’s Next?
Reuters confirms that Qatar’s involvement in the peace talks is significant because the conflict in eastern Congo has lasted for decades, causing millions of deaths and displacing countless families. The question now is whether Qatar can convince the rebels and Congo’s government to hold direct peace talks.
As Reuters points out, the situation remains fragile, with multiple countries involved and no clear solution in sight.
While Qatar is making efforts to bring peace, the continued violence and political disagreements could make this a long and difficult process.
Credit: Reuters