The leaders restated their backing for a truce one day following the withdrawal of M23 rebels from negotiations in Angola.
On Tuesday, Qatar facilitated discussions between the leaders of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Doha stated these talks were part of initiatives aimed at "alleviating tensions" in the eastern region of Congo.
Paul Kagame, the leader of Rwanda, along with Congo's President Felix Tshisekedi, were guests of honor at an event hosted by Qatar's ruler, Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
The meeting takes place only one day after the M23 rebels, thought to be supported by Rwanda and who initiated a major offensive in eastern Congo, extracted from peace discussions in Angola on Monday .
Rwanda rejects accusations of backing the M23 rebels, despite persistent claims suggesting otherwise.
Talks described as 'fruitful'
As stated in a release by the three nations, the leaders emphasized their agreement to immediately implement an unconditional cessation of hostilities, as was decided during the previous month’s African summit.
The African leaders expressed their gratitude to Qatar for "this productive gathering, which fostered trust in a mutual dedication to ensuring security and stability for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the surrounding area in the future."
The joint statement offered no concrete information on the implementation or monitoring of the ceasefire.
The M23 rebels had intended to engage in direct talks with Kinshasa to resolve the conflict in Congo’s mineral-abundant eastern region. However, they announced their withdrawal on Monday due to sanctions enacted by the European Union against both the group and Rwandan officials.
President Félix Tshisekedi of DRC had formerly declined to engage directly with M23, which has been battling government troops for over ten years; however, he recently signaled his willingness to open discussions last week.
Earlier this year, M23 insurgents intensified their attacks, managing to capture both Goma and Bukavu, even with ongoing international and regional efforts aimed at reinstating peace and stability.
Edited by: Louis Oelofse
Author: Kieran Burke (alongside AFP and AP contributions)
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