What would it take to achieve peace in DRC ... and who benefits? | DW New

Key Concepts

• Ceasefire agreement between Rwanda and DRC
• M23 rebel group and its backers
• Qatar's mediation and investments in the region
• Critical minerals and international interests in DRC
• Justice and accountability for past crimes
• EU and US involvement and potential complicity
• Congolese government's legitimacy and mineral deals

Qatar-led Peace Talks and Ceasefire

• Surprise Meeting: The presidents of Rwanda (Paul Kagame) and DRC (Félix Tshisekedi) met in Qatar for surprise talks, mediated by Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. This occurred shortly after negotiations in Angola failed.
• Ceasefire Commitment: Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire.
• Qatar's Role: Qatar has significant investments in both Rwanda (at least $2 billion) and DRC, including the Bugesera International Airport project in Rwanda (Qatar Airways subsidiary involvement) and potential airport renovations and deep-sea port construction in DRC. The conflict affects Qatar's investments, making peace beneficial for them.
• Analyst Perspective (Kali Musavi): The timing of the meeting was surprising, but Qatar's engagement in the region made it plausible. The key is whether the ceasefire will hold on the ground.

M23 Rebel Group and Rwandan Involvement

• M23's Withdrawal: The Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group pulled out of peace talks in Angola, blaming EU sanctions on some of its members.
• EU Sanctions: The EU imposed sanctions on M23 political leaders and Rwandan soldiers and officials allegedly involved in supporting the M23 or illicit trade. This included sanctions on the chairman of the board for Rwandan mines, oil, and gas, and a Rwandan gold refinery.
• Rwandan Military Support: UN group of experts reports document Rwandan military support for the M23, with an estimated 4,000 Rwandan soldiers present. The UN Security Council voted unanimously, including three African countries, asking Rwandan troops to leave DRC.
• M23's Political Ambitions: Analysts suggest M23 is presenting itself as a political force, not just a military actor.

Critical Minerals and International Interests

• US Interest: The DRC is engaged in exploratory talks with the United States to secure a deal granting US companies access to the country's critical minerals in exchange for military support.
• Congolese Government's Desperation: Kali Musavi views the Congolese government's attempts to sell Congo's minerals "wholesale to the highest bidder" as a sign of desperation due to a lack of legitimacy and military strength.
• Lack of Consultation: Musavi argues that such deals should involve consultation with the Congolese people and discussion in parliament, which is currently lacking.
• EU Involvement: The EU has a memorandum of understanding with Rwanda to purchase critical minerals worth $900 million annually, despite concerns about Rwanda's ability to fulfill the deal with its own resources.
• International Competition: There is an international push to gain access to and control Congolese mineral resources, leading to displacement and violence.

Justice and Accountability

• Lack of Accountability: Musavi emphasizes the lack of accountability for past crimes as a key factor perpetuating the conflict. "If a criminal yesterday commits a crime and is not held accountable, he or she will continue to commit these crimes."
• Amnesty Concerns: Concerns are raised about amnesty being included in peace negotiations, potentially allowing perpetrators of violence to escape justice.
• Recidivism: The example of Toma Lubanga, a former Congolese warlord convicted by the International Criminal Court and later released, who is now reportedly working with the M23, illustrates the issue of recidivism.
• Importance of Justice: Musavi argues that creating a framework of accountability and justice is essential for ending the conflict.

Humanitarian Crisis and Historical Context

• Humanitarian Crisis: The conflict has killed thousands of civilians and displaced many more, leading to a humanitarian crisis.
• Fear of Repeat: Recent fighting raised fears of a repeat of the Second Congo War (1998-2003), which involved numerous African countries and caused millions of deaths.
• SADC Troop Withdrawal: A Southern African Regional Force ended its troop deployment in DRC, having lost at least 17 soldiers since January.
• Decades of Unrest: The region has seen three decades of unrest, with over six million people having died in the eastern Congo.

Conclusion

The pursuit of peace in eastern DRC is complex, involving multiple actors with conflicting interests. While the Qatar-led talks and ceasefire commitment offer a glimmer of hope, the underlying issues of Rwandan involvement, competition for critical minerals, and the lack of justice and accountability must be addressed to achieve lasting stability. The international community's role, particularly the EU and US, is under scrutiny, with concerns about potential complicity in the ongoing violence and exploitation of resources. Ultimately, the interests of the Congolese people must be prioritized, and a framework for justice established to break the cycle of conflict.