Delegates from the Democratic Republic of Congo and the M23 armed group gathered in Doha on Wednesday for high-stakes peace negotiations.
Qatar is mediating the talks, with support from the African Union, in an effort to end years of bloodshed in eastern Congo.
A diplomat familiar with the discussions confirmed both delegations’ presence, speaking anonymously due to the sensitive nature of the dialogue. The Rwanda-backed M23 had demanded new talks after being excluded from a recent peace deal between Rwanda and Congo signed in Washington.
“This round of negotiations will be critical towards reaching an agreement,” the diplomat noted, underscoring the urgency of the situation. Although the Washington accord aimed to halt violence in the mineral-rich region, M23’s absence left key issues unresolved.
The group has asked for a separate ceasefire deal with Kinshasa, hoping to formalize its role in any future peace framework. Earlier this year, M23 captured significant territory, including the strategic cities of Goma and Bukavu, in a rapid and coordinated offensive.
While the front lines have mostly stabilised since February, sporadic clashes continue between M23 and pro-government militias. Eastern Congo has suffered decades of armed conflict, forcing hundreds of thousands to flee their homes amid unrelenting violence.
Though Rwanda denies direct involvement, UN experts accuse its military of playing a “critical” role in M23’s battlefield gains.
The outcome of the Doha talks could determine whether the region moves toward lasting peace or sinks deeper into turmoil.
