on Tuesday mediated talks involving the presidents of and the , which Doha said were part of efforts to “ease the situation” in the eastern part of Congo.
Rwandan leader Paul Kagame and Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi were hosted by Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
The meeting comes just a day after — believed to be backed by Rwanda and who launched a large-scale offensive in eastern Congo — .
Rwanda denies supporting the M23 rebels despite repeated allegations to the contrary.
Talks described as ‘fruitful’
“The heads of state reaffirmed the commitment of all parties to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire” as agreed at an African summit last month, a statement released by the three countries said.
The African leaders thanked Qatar for “this fruitful meeting, which helped build confidence in a shared commitment to a secure and stable future for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the region.”
The joint statement provided no specific details on how the ceasefire would be implemented or monitored.
The M23 rebels had planned direct negotiations with Kinshasa to end the conflict in the Congo’s mineral-rich east but on Monday said it was withdrawing because of sanctions imposed by the EU targeting the group and Rwandan officials.
DRC President Felix Tshisekedi had previously snubbed direct talks with M23, who have been fighting government forces for more than a decade, but last week indicated that he was ready for dialogue.
M23 rebels ramped up hostilities earlier in the year, capturing Goma and Bukavu, despite international and regional missions to help restore peace and security.
Edited by: Louis Oelofse
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