DR Congo, Rwanda Agree to Immediate Ceasefire Amid Escalating Conflict

In a significant development, Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame have agreed to an 'immediate and unconditional ceasefire' following peace talks in Doha, mediated by Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani. This agreement comes amid escalating violence in eastern DRC, where the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group has captured key cities and caused widespread displacement and casualties. The talks were the first direct engagement between the leaders since a major offensive by M23 earlier in the year, which has been linked to Rwanda's support for the group, a claim that Rwanda denies. The exact terms of the ceasefire and how it will be implemented remain unclear, but both leaders emphasized the need for continued negotiations to establish lasting peace. The recent EU sanctions against Rwandan military officials may have influenced the urgency of these discussions. Analysts note that the involvement of external mediators like Qatar underscores a shift in how peace initiatives are being pursued in the region.