A new round of negotiations between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group has begun in Doha, as both sides attempt to salvage a fragile Qatari-brokered truce signed last month.
The talks come amid continued fighting in North and South Kivu provinces, despite earlier peace deals including one signed between Kinshasa and Kigali in Washington. Each side has accused the other of violating the ceasefire.
According to Qatar’s foreign ministry, discussions are centered on a draft proposal for a three-phase peace process. The plan includes establishing a mechanism to monitor the truce, as well as provisions for the exchange of prisoners and detainees. Officials confirmed that the United States and the International Committee of the Red Cross are closely involved in supporting the mediation.
However, Belgium’s foreign minister revealed that Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi has voiced dissatisfaction with parts of the proposal, raising concerns about the deal’s chances of success.
The M23, one of the most powerful armed groups in eastern Congo, has played a central role in the conflict, with its major offensive earlier this year reaching the outskirts of Goma and leaving civilians dead in the streets.
The humanitarian toll remains dire. With more than 7 million people displaced, the United Nations has described the crisis in eastern Congo as “one of the most protracted, complex, serious humanitarian crises on Earth.”
Analysts say the Doha talks represent a critical test of whether regional and international pressure can finally halt the violence and move the DRC closer to stability.
