M23 rejects ceasefire agreement between Rwanda and Congo
The M23 rebel group has declared that the recent ceasefire agreement between Rwanda and Congo, aimed at halting the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), does not concern them.
In a statement, M23 acknowledged the efforts of those seeking peace but emphasized that decisions made without their involvement are irrelevant to them.
The group criticized the DRC military for using the ceasefire request as a strategy not for peace but to regroup and continue their alleged campaign against the Tutsi community in eastern Congo.
M23 highlighted that while an agreement for a ceasefire was reached on March 7, 2024, with both sides agreeing to find peaceful solutions, this agreement has not been honored. They continue to face daily attacks from the Kinshasa forces.
The rebel group asserted that their defensive actions are legal and aimed at protecting civilians who are in danger in the region.
Rwandan and Congolese delegates met in Luanda, Angola, for talks aimed at easing the tensions between the two countries.
One of the decisions made was to cease hostilities (ceasefire), which is set to be implemented starting August 4, 2024.
The Angolan presidency has stated that the ceasefire will be monitored by a dedicated team.
It is currently unclear whether this ceasefire will be observed, as the AFC/M23 group has recently declared that the talks taking place in Luanda do not concern them and that they seek direct negotiations with the Congolese government.
The talks were held at the ministerial level, with Rwanda represented by Amb. Nduhungirehe Olivier, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Congo represented by the Minister of State, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation, and Francophonie, Mme Kayikwamba Thereze Wagner.
This is the second round of ministerial-level talks, following the previous discussions held on March 21, 2024.
These talks come after several meetings in February and March 2024, during which President João Lourenço, the mediator in the Rwanda-Congo talks, met with President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo and President Paul Kagame.
The United States had previously called for a humanitarian ceasefire to assist those affected and allow those displaced by the conflict between the Congolese government forces and the AFC/M23 group to return to their homes.
The initial ceasefire ended on July 19, 2024, but the United States has requested an extension of additional days.
THE RWANDA SUN
