DR Congo peace negotiations: Representatives from several nations gather in Qatar

Several African and international representatives convened in Doha, Qatar, to continue the talks aimed at resolving the conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The meeting was attended by representatives from Togo, the United States, France, Qatar, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Rwanda, according to a statement released by the Qatari foreign affairs ministry on Wednesday, April 30.

The heads of state of Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Qatar met in Doha on March 18 in a trilateral meeting.

The joint statement stated that the talks centered on the humanitarian situation in eastern DR Congo, which still necessitates an immediate and coordinated response, the ongoing dialogue between the DR Congo’s government and the Alliance Fleuve Congo/March 23rd (AFC/M23) movement, and the efforts to address the situation in the region.

It further stated that the representatives praised the joint statement made by the AFC/M23 and the DR Congo, which was made possible by Qatar, regarding their commitments to the ceasefire, which is a top priority in order to enable humanitarian aid.

The delegates unanimously acknowledged the significance of addressing the underlying causes of the region’s ongoing problems and the obstacles to lasting peace through discussion. Furthermore, they reiterated their shared stance that the disputing parties must immediately resolve this matter while taking into account relevant resolutions from the African Union and the United Nations.

Additionally, they praised the significant progress made by the signing of the Declaration of Principles in Washington, D.C., on April 25 and stated their willingness to support continued efforts to foster trust, a sustainable ceasefire, and a peaceful end to the conflict, including those being carried out by the EAC and SADC under the African Union’s auspices.