Delegations from the Congolese government and the Rwandan-backed M23 rebel group have gathered in Doha for peace talks aimed at ending months of violent conflict.
The negotiations, which began earlier this week, seek to reach a ceasefire and prevent the escalation of hostilities into a wider regional war.
M23’s rapid military advances this year have left thousands dead and displaced hundreds of thousands.
The rebels now control much of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s eastern borderlands, a region rich in valuable resources such as tin, gold, and coltan.
Both sides confirmed their presence in the Qatari capital but remain in discussions over the framework for talks.
Sources revealed that a face-to-face meeting took place on Wednesday, although progress remains slow.
The conflict, rooted in Rwanda’s 1994 genocide, has plagued the region for years. Efforts to broker peace have been ongoing, with Qatar’s mediation playing a crucial role.
Last month, a summit between Congo’s President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame aimed at breaking the deadlock.
Despite initial hopes, negotiations continue to face significant challenges.
The Congolese government and M23 rebels have both expressed frustration over the slow pace of talks.
A rebel source noted that Congo’s delegation lacked the authority to make decisions, while a government official warned that a resolution could take months.
The United Nations and Western powers accuse Rwanda of backing M23 militarily, a claim that Rwanda denies, insisting it is defending itself against armed groups operating from Congo’s east.
Congo and M23 rebels start peace talks in Doha
The peace talks are seen as a vital step toward resolving one of Africa’s longest-running conflicts.
