The three nations name for ‘quick and unconditional ceasefire’ in japanese DRC.
Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame have held direct talks for the primary time since Rwanda-backed M23 rebels seized two major cities in japanese DRC.
In a joint assertion issued with Qatar, whose emir mediated the talks in Doha, the nations known as for an “quick ceasefire” in japanese DRC.
“The Heads of State then agreed on the necessity to proceed the discussions initiated in Doha with the intention to set up strong foundations for lasting peace,” the assertion mentioned.
The DRC has accused Rwanda of sending weapons and troops to assist the M23 rebels, which Rwanda has denied.
The talks got here after M23 representatives pulled out of a planned meeting with the DRC authorities in Angola on Tuesday, after the European Union imposed sanctions on a few of the group’s senior members, together with chief Bertrand Bisimwa.
In an announcement, M23 mentioned the sanctions “significantly compromise direct dialogue and stop any advance”.
The EU additionally sanctioned three Rwandan navy commanders and the nation’s mining company chief over assist for the M23 fighters.
The battle in japanese DRC escalated in January when the rebels superior and seized the strategic metropolis of Goma, adopted by Bukavu in February.
M23 is certainly one of about 100 armed teams which have been vying for a foothold within the mineral-rich japanese DRC close to the border with Rwanda. The battle has created one of many world’s most vital humanitarian crises, with greater than 7 million folks displaced.
The rebels are supported by about 4,000 Rwandan troops, in accordance with United Nations consultants.
