Tshisekedi and Kagame agree on a ceasefire, according to the Angolan president
Rwandan Presidents Paul Kagame, Angolan João Lourenço and Congolese Félix Tshisekedi during their tripartite summit in Luanda, July 6, 2022, around tensions in eastern DRC AFP - JORGE NSIMBA
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While Kinshasa and Kigali were at loggerheads, Congolese Presidents Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame began a "
de-escalation process
".
Angolan President João Lourenço, organizer of a tripartite summit in Luanda, announced on Wednesday July 6 that the two heads of state have reached a ceasefire agreement.
This could ease tensions in North Kivu, hit by the violence of the conflict between the Congolese armies and the M23 rebels.
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Presidents Paul Kagame and Félix Tshisekedi
have decided on an immediate ceasefire, according to Angolan President João Lourenço
.
To reassure itself of its respect, an ad-hoc observation mechanism will be set up, led by an Angolan officer.
This will be added to the expanded joint verification mechanism of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), the effectiveness of which is questioned by both parties.
However, the road to de-escalation will be long and gradual, tempers a source in the Congolese presidency, according to our correspondent in Kalemie
,
Patient Ligodi
It will be done mainly through the channel of the DRC-Rwanda joint commission with the aim of restoring confidence between the two countries.
In its former configuration, this now dormant framework allowed delegates from two countries to discuss several bilateral issues, including security, trade and migration.
The document was not released but according to the Congolese presidency, the parties decided to adopt a "
de-escalation process
".
According to Kinshasa, this roadmap notes the “
willingness to normalize diplomatic relations between Kinshasa and Kigali
”, and provides for “
the immediate cessation of hostilities
”, “
the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of the M23 from its positions in Congo
”.
In their discussions on Wednesday, the three heads of state not
only talked about the M23
, but also about
the exploitation of the DRC's mineral resources
.
The document also specifies: “
any exploitation of natural resources must be carried out with strict respect for the sovereignty of States
”.
“
Small step
” but the fundamental problems far from being resolved
But before achieving all these objectives there is no doubt that it will take time.
“
This meeting is a step forward, even in small steps
,” confides a participant.
Because the basic problems are far from being resolved.
Kinshasa hoped that Kigali would recognize, for example, to support the M23.
In any case on the ground, the fighting continues with Monday again, clashes between rebels and Congolese army in North Kivu.
The Congolese and Rwandan authorities will continue discussions on July 12, still in Luanda, whose government therefore remains the mediator of the crisis.
Meanwhile, Kinshasa is still awaiting the withdrawal of M23 fighters from recently conquered positions, such as the border town of Bunagana.
“We hope that this time, each country, in particular Rwanda, will respect its commitments for a lasting peace” in the region, affirms Erik Nyindu, director of communication within the Congolese presidency.
Sebastien Nemeth
►
To read also:
DRC: the cry of alarm of a national deputy from Goma after attacks attributed to the ADF
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ground floor
Felix Tshisekedi
Rwanda
Paul Kagame
Diplomacy
Joao Lourenco
Angola