Kagame, DRC’s Tshisekedi call for ceasefire in Qatar peace meeting

President Paul Kagame of Rwanda and his Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) counterpart, Felix Tshisekedi, have called for a ceasefire between the M23 rebels and the DRC army.

The two leaders made the call during a surprise peace talk conveyed by Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, at the Lusail Palace, according to a joint statement issued on Tuesday by the country’s foreign affairs ministry.

Both countries have had a strained relationship since the M23 rebels, a terrorist group alleged to be backed by Rwanda, intensified attacks in eastern DRC this year.

Rwanda has denied the allegations despite assertions from the United States, the United Nations (UN), and DRC.

The DRC also accused Rwanda of illegally mining its minerals, an allegation Rwanda has refuted.

It was the first time both men were seen together in public on account of the conflict despite previous barks and fingers at each other.

“The Heads of State reaffirmed the commitment of all parties to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire…,” the statement reads.

It is unclear whether the M23 would heed the ceasefire call after the rebels refused to attend peace talks in Angola.

Since the start of the year, the group has taken mineral-rich areas of eastern DR Congo, leaving thousands dead and more than 700,000 displaced, according to the UN.

The group has continued to expand its territory and has threatened to overthrow Tshisekedi’s government.