In a rare diplomatic breakthrough, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the M23 rebel group have met face-to-face in Doha.
The secret meeting, hosted by Qatari mediators last week, marked the first direct talks in years between the warring sides.
According to a source close to the negotiations, the discussions aimed to de-escalate the protracted conflict in eastern DRC.
M23 rebels, backed by Rwanda, have seized wide areas of North and South Kivu provinces since 2021, including Goma and Bukavu.
The source described the opening round as “positive,” noting it fostered enough trust for M23 to withdraw from Walikale.
The rebel retreat from the strategic mining town was seen as a goodwill gesture by the movement toward peace.
However, optimism dimmed Thursday as the Congolese army accused M23 of reinforcing its presence and resuming assaults near Walikale.
The area, rich in minerals, marks the deepest westward push by M23 since its inception in 2012.
A senior rebel commander, requesting anonymity, told AFP that government forces struck M23 positions in Walikale, sparking renewed hostilities.
Despite the setback, further talks are reportedly planned in Doha, with Qatar again offering to mediate future rounds.
Officials hope continued dialogue will help forge a durable ceasefire and end a conflict that has displaced millions.
The situation remains fragile, but diplomatic overtures signal a tentative step toward peace in a region long plagued by war.
