Rwanda has expressed support for the M23 rebel group's decision to withdraw from the strategic mining town of Walikale in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and for the DRC's commitment to halting hostilities as part of ongoing peace efforts.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Rwandan government welcomed the M23 rebels' announcement to reposition their forces from Walikale in support of peace initiatives in the region. Rwanda also praised the DRC's decision to suspend offensive operations by its forces (FARDC) and pro-government militias (Wazalendo), which aligns with broader peace efforts aimed at addressing the root causes of the ongoing conflict in eastern Congo.
"Rwanda is committed to working with all parties to ensure adherence to commitments, particularly in the context of the joint EAC-SADC Summit process and other initiatives which pave the way towards a lasting political and security settlement for the region," the statement read.
The M23 rebel alliance, which has played a central role in the conflict in eastern Congo, announced on Saturday that it would reposition its forces from Walikale and its surrounding areas to support ongoing peace processes, which include political dialogue and the de-escalation of violence. Following this, the Congolese military also called for a reduction in tensions by encouraging local self-defense forces to prioritize peace talks.
Since the M23 intensified its offensive last year, the group has captured significant territory in North and South Kivu provinces, drawing accusations from the DRC and others that Rwanda has supported the rebels. Rwanda, however, has consistently denied these allegations.
The announcement follows recent diplomatic talks between Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame, mediated by Qatar's Emir in Doha. The two leaders called for a ceasefire, marking the latest round of negotiations since the M23 rebels took control of the provincial capitals of Goma and Bukavu this year.
As the violence continues, the United Nations reported on Friday that over 100,000 Congolese have fled the conflict, seeking refuge in neighboring countries within a matter of months. Rwanda's support for the peace efforts in the region reflects its commitment to a lasting solution and regional stability.
A Ukrainian-born Russian citizen has been extradited to Moscow from Dubai on suspicion of gravely injuring one of Russia's most senior intelligence of...
Iranian activist and Nobel Peace Prize winner Narges Mohammadi was sentenced to a new prison term of 7-1/2 years, a group supporting her said on Sunda...
Antonio Jose Seguro secured a landslide win in Portugal’s presidential runoff, defeating far-right rival Andre Ventura and becoming the country’s ...
Hong Kong’s most prominent media tycoon Jimmy Lai was sentenced on Monday (9 February) to a total of 20 years in prison on national security charges...
U.S. Vice President JD Vance will be joined by Under Secretary for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg during a trip to Italy, Armenia and Azerbaijan from ...
Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi on Monday accused Rwanda of failing to uphold its commitments under a U.S.-brokered peace agreement aimed at ending years of conflict in the mineral-rich eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
President Ilham Aliyev and his Rwandan counterpart Paul Kagame had a one-on-one meeting in Baku, as Kagame pays a working visit to Azerbaijan.
Rwanda on Friday denied claims that M23 rebels, allegedly supported by Kigali, massacred hundreds of civilians in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, calling the accusations “unfounded” and lacking credible evidence.
U.S. President Donald Trump has criticised American freestyle skier Hunter Hess after the athlete said he felt conflicted about representing the United States at the Winter Olympics in Italy, sparking a public clash that highlights growing political tensions surrounding the Games.
Iran would retaliate by striking U.S. military bases across the Middle East if it comes under attack by American forces, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Saturday (7 January), stressing that such action should not be seen as targeting the countries hosting those bases.
U.S. skiing great Lindsey Vonn underwent surgery in an Italian hospital on Sunday after her attempt to win Olympic downhill gold ended in a violent crash just seconds into the race at the Milano Cortina Winter Games.
Several avalanches struck northern Italy on Saturday, killing at least three people, as rescue officials warned the death toll could rise with unstable conditions persisting across the Alps.
A Japanese city near Mount Fuji has cancelled its annual cherry blossom festival, saying growing numbers of badly behaved tourists are disrupting daily life for residents.
A Ukrainian-born Russian citizen has been extradited to Moscow from Dubai on suspicion of gravely injuring one of Russia's most senior intelligence officers, according to Russian security officials and investigators.
Hong Kong’s most prominent media tycoon Jimmy Lai was sentenced on Monday (9 February) to a total of 20 years in prison on national security charges. The verdict covers two counts of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and one count related to publishing seditious materials.
Double world champion Max Langenhan delivered a dominant performance to win men’s luge singles gold on Sunday (8 February), breaking the track record four consecutive times as Germany extended its grip on the sport, now winning four of the past five Olympic titles.
U.S. skiing great Lindsey Vonn underwent surgery in an Italian hospital on Sunday after her attempt to win Olympic downhill gold ended in a violent crash just seconds into the race at the Milano Cortina Winter Games.
India’s trade minister said diversifying energy imports and expanding purchases of advanced technology from the United States would serve New Delhi’s strategic interests, as the two countries move closer to finalising a long-awaited trade agreement.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment