KEY POINTS
- A proposal to lessen the M23 conflict was rejected by Congo.
- The strategy called for first neutralizing FDLR soldiers and then lowering Rwandan defenses.
- Although emotions are still too high for a joint meeting, French President Macron made an attempt at mediation.
Congolese officials’ refusal to accept a pact meant to ease tensions with the M23 rebels has dealt another blow to the ongoing conflict in the country’s east.
The long-running fighting that has forced nearly 1.7 million people from their homes has been made easier by an agreement reached in August, but the Congolese counterpart rejected it, according to the revelation made by Rwanda’s foreign minister, Olivier Nduhungirehe.
Tensions over M23 and FDLR involvement
Since 2022, the M23, a Tutsi-led militia, has been fighting for independence in the eastern part of the Congo. Rwanda has been accused by the Congo and international observers, including as the UN, of providing military and armament support to the rebels.
The Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a Hutu militia that has traditionally attacked Tutsis in both Rwanda and the Congo, has threatened Rwanda, according to the country’s denial of these accusations.
According to Nduhungirehe, military officials from both countries participated in the most recent negotiations, and the proposed deal called for taking steps to neutralize the FDLR before withdrawing Rwanda’s defensive measures.
“Our intention was to sign,” Nduhungirehe declared. “But the Congolese minister refused, first commenting on the report, then later stating opposition to adopting it.”
According to the Reuters, Rwandan foreign minister stated that the plan called for Rwanda to soften its military posture while Congo dealt with the FDLR militias first. The Congolese minister, however, disagreed with this schedule, stating that both acts ought to take place at the same time.
Stalled negotiations and diplomatic standstill
The difficult talks took conducted throughout the latter part of August, but no contract was signed. The rejection has caused the humanitarian catastrophe in the region to deepen dramatically and has halted efforts to reduce tensions. Millions of people have been displaced by the M23 violence, and there is an urgent need for humanitarian aid.
Presidents Paul Kagame of Rwanda and Felix Tshisekedi of the Congo both attended a conference of French-speaking countries in France, where French President Emmanuel Macron made an effort to intervene.
The presidents had separate private talks as a result of the increased tensions, despite Macron’s initial proposal for a three-way meeting. Macron told reporters, “The situation is still too tense for a joint meeting,” pleading with the two countries to come to a mutual understanding and accord. It is important to note that it “calls for efforts on both sides.”
Given the complexity of the M23 conflict and the involvement of regional powers, the unwillingness of Congo to sign the agreement only makes situations tougher. In the event that a diplomatic solution isn’t found quickly, there is concern that the current hostilities may turn into a larger regional conflict, endangering stability throughout central Africa.
