Congo and Rwanda have reaffirmed their commitment to an immediate ceasefire in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), but details on implementation remain unclear. The joint statement, issued during a meeting between President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan counterpart Paul Kagame in Qatar, marks the first time leaders have sat down since the conflict escalated after Rwanda-backed M23 rebels seized two major cities in January.
The two countries agreed to an unconditional ceasefire, but the plan does not specify how it will be enforced or monitored. This comes as DR Congo’s government prepares to meet with M23 leaders in Angola for separate ceasefire negotiations, following the European Union’s imposition of sanctions on rebel leaders on Monday. The conflict has led to one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises, displacing over 7 million people.
The crisis is complex, involving nearly 100 armed groups operating in eastern DRC. Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have been at the center of the conflict, and their actions have sparked tensions between the two countries. The talks in Qatar represent a renewed effort to find a peaceful resolution to the ongoing crisis.
Source: https://www.euronews.com/2025/03/19/baltics-and-poland-announce-planned-withdrawal-from-landmine-treaty