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.
The Presidents Paul Kagame and Felix Tshisekedi 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 path to de-escalation will be long and gradual, tempers a source at the Congolese presidency, according to our correspondent in Kalemie, Patient Ligodi
It will be done mainly through 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 ” desire to normalize diplomatic relations between Kinshasa and Kigali “, and provides” immediate cessation of hostilities », « the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of the M23 from its positions in the Congo “.
In their discussions on Wednesday, the three heads of state did not only talked about the M23but also of the exploitation of the DRC’s mineral resources. The document also states: any exploitation of natural resources must be carried out with strict respect for the sovereignty of States “.
” Little 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 progress, even in small steps “says a participant.
Because the basic problems are far from being solved. 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.
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