Congo and Rwanda urge cease-fire in eastern Congo

The presidents of Congo and Rwanda have called for a cease-fire in eastern Congo. This plea comes after an unannounced meeting in Qatar. The two leaders, Félix Tshisekedi of Congo and Paul Kagame of Rwanda, agreed to an “immediate and unconditional cease-fire.” This statement follows the recent advances of a rebel group known as M23, which has captured key cities in eastern Congo. Both presidents did not provide details on how the cease-fire would be enacted or monitored. Oluwole Ojewale, an expert on Central Africa, noted that this is the first time both leaders have made such a clear commitment. He suggested that the United States could have facilitated peace talks but did not prioritize the issue. Instead, Qatar took the initiative to bring the leaders together. Ojewale also criticized the African Union for its inability to unite the two leaders in peace efforts. The ongoing conflict in eastern Congo has lasted for more than 30 years, causing significant loss of life and suffering in the region.