Kagame, DRC’s Tshisekedi call for ceasefire in Qatar peace meeting

According to a joint statement released by the nation's foreign affairs ministry on Tuesday, the two leaders made the call during a surprise peace negotiation that was facilitated by Qatar's Emir, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, at the Lusail Palace.

Since the M23 rebels, a terrorist organization purportedly supported by Rwanda, increased their attacks in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo this year, tensions between the two nations have been high.

Despite claims from the DRC, the United States, and the United Nations (UN), Rwanda has disputed the accusations.

Rwanda has denied the DRC's accusation that it is engaging in illicit mineral mining.

Despite prior yelling and pointing fingers at one another, it was the first time the two men were spotted together in public due to the argument.

According to the statement, "The Heads of State reaffirmed the commitment of all parties to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire."

After the rebels declined to participate in peace negotiations in Angola, it is uncertain if the M23 will follow the ceasefire request.

According to the UN, the group has occupied mineral-rich regions of eastern DR Congo since the beginning of the year, resulting in thousands of fatalities and over 700,000 displaced people.

The group has vowed to topple Tshisekedi's administration and has persisted in enlarging its area.