The Doha Negotiations Agreement

The ongoing negotiations between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), held in Doha, have highlighted several areas of disagreement. These discussions were framed by the principles outlined in UN Security Council Resolution 2773, with both parties presenting their proposed crisis resolution strategies.

Key Areas of Disagreement:

1. National Sovereignty and Border Integrity
Rwanda affirms its recognition of the DRC’s territorial integrity but raises two specific concerns:

• The alleged threat of extermination facing the Tutsi minority in eastern DRC, which Rwanda considers itself responsible for protecting.
• The status of over 100,000 Congolese Tutsi refugees residing in Rwanda, whom Rwanda says the DRC has refused to accept back.

2. Allegations of Rwandan Military Presence
The DRC, supported by UN and independent expert reports, claims Rwandan military presence on its territory. Rwanda denies these allegations and disputes the evidence provided by the Congolese armed forces (FARDC).

3. Rwanda’s Alleged Support for M23
Rwanda firmly denies providing support to the M23 rebel group, despite claims to the contrary from the DRC and various international observers.

4. Neutralization of the FDLR
The DRC is expected to present a clear strategy for dealing with the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a rebel group considered hostile by Rwanda. Regarding refugee repatriation, past efforts by the UNHCR, Rwanda, and the DRC to address the status of Tutsi refugees have stalled. Rwanda prefers mass repatriation without prior identification, while the DRC insists on individual registration, citing security and demographic concerns.

Geopolitical and Strategic Considerations:

The DRC seeks to strengthen its position by consolidating its mining sector, aiming to secure U.S. support for its armed forces to reclaim lost territory in eastern regions. The DRC also requests a strong U.S. commitment to its territorial and political interests, with a focus on geopolitical stability over purely economic factors.

Reference to Past Agreements:

Article 6 – Draft Agreement with M23 (formerly CNDP):
This article states that implementation of reconciliation efforts, peaceful coexistence, and the return of displaced persons should be jointly carried out by the parties, following a defined timeline.

Dialogue with the FDLR:
The DRC has expressed interest in facilitating dialogue between Rwanda and the FDLR, a point that remains contentious.

Historical Context and M23’s Demands:

During the 2013 Kampala talks, the M23 rebel group voiced concerns regarding the marginalization of Rwandophone communities in the DRC. M23 representatives claimed that these populations face systemic discrimination and violence.

Article 5 – Recognition of Eastern DRC as an ‘Affected Zone’:
M23 advocates for a special administrative and developmental status for eastern provinces (including North and South Kivu, Ituri, Haut-Uele, Maniema, and Tanganyika). Proposed measures include:

• Special administrative status
• Tailored development plans
• Broad fiscal and financial autonomy
• Custom security arrangements
• Implementation of regional security programs

Article 7 – Political Integration:
M23 calls for the integration of its political members into national institutions, including the central government, diplomacy, state-owned enterprises, provincial administrations, and the military command structure.

Article 9 – Amnesty Proposal:
The DRC government would grant amnesty for acts committed between May 7, 2009, and the end of the agreement’s implementation period, aligned with international law.

Article 12 – Joint Security Operations:
M23 commits to joint military operations with the FARDC, aimed at neutralizing foreign armed groups (e.g., LRA, ADF-NALU, FNL, FDLR) and repatriating captured combatants. These operations would be renewable after five years.

Federalism and Governance Proposals:

M23 proposes a form of federalism in which eastern DRC would be granted extensive autonomy, including financial and administrative independence, for at least five years. This would encompass provinces like Tanganyika and Uele.

Olusegun Obasanjo’s Role in Efforts to Address the Crisis in Eastern DRC

Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo is among several former African heads of state involved in mediation efforts related to the ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Appointed by regional bodies, Obasanjo has remained active in diplomatic circles through frequent travel and high-level meetings.

• In 2008, Obasanjo was named a UN Special Envoy to facilitate negotiations between the Congolese government and the CNDP, an armed group that preceded the current M23 movement.
• He recently participated in a Washington meeting where DRC and Rwanda representatives signed a Declaration of Principles aimed at fostering dialogue.
• His approach includes engaging with a range of political and civil society actors, such as former President Joseph Kabila, opposition leader Moïse Katumbi, and religious figures.

Diplomatic and Economic Engagement

• Obasanjo has maintained a working relationship with Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi, which has enabled him to interact with different political factions in the DRC.
• In addition to political mediation, he supports regional economic initiatives such as the DRC-Nigeria Business Council and AfroChampions, which promote intra-African trade and investment.

Analysts from Africa Security Analysis cite his diplomatic experience and regional network as contributing to his ongoing role in efforts to stabilize eastern Congo. Sources suggest that Obasanjo may soon travel to Goma as part of his mediation work.