Delegations from the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have departed peace talks in Doha, Qatar, with no immediate plans to return, sources from both sides confirmed. The discussions, which aimed to pave the way for a ceasefire, failed to make any significant progress.
M23 rebels have made dramatic advances since January, capturing the two largest cities in eastern Congo, heightening fears of an escalating regional conflict. Despite African mediation efforts faltering, Qatar brokered an unexpected meeting last month between Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame, where both leaders called for a ceasefire.
This was intended to lead to direct negotiations between Congo and M23, but the talks in Doha quickly stumbled over technical details and confidence-building measures. M23 demanded the release of hundreds of prisoners, some of whom were accused of links to Rwanda and M23 itself. However, the Congolese government firmly rejected these demands, insisting on the independence of its justice system.
A government source emphasized, “They are asking for too much. They don’t even control two of the 26 provinces,” referring to the rebel group’s limited territorial control.
Meanwhile, the rebel coalition, including M23, indicated that all parties had left the talks after “prerequisites” proved an insurmountable “stumbling block” to meaningful negotiations. M23 also sought political dialogue commitments from Tshisekedi, who has long refused to engage with the rebels, labeling them as terrorists.
A United Nations source confirmed that fighting had resumed in the Walikale region, a strategic mining hub. M23 had previously withdrawn from Walikale as a gesture of goodwill before the planned peace talks, but the situation remains volatile.
The ongoing conflict in eastern Congo has led to thousands of casualties and displaced hundreds of thousands of people.
