The presidents of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda, Félix Tshisekedi and Paul Kagame, have called for an “immediate and unconditional ceasefire” in eastern DRC following direct talks in Qatar. This marks the first meeting between the two leaders since the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels intensified their offensive in the conflict-ridden region, where authorities estimate 7,000 people have been killed since January.
Despite the ceasefire appeal, it remains unclear whether the M23 rebels will comply. The group refused to attend peace talks in Angola earlier this week and has continued its advances in eastern DRC, seizing the key cities of Goma and Bukavu over the past two months.
DR Congo accuses Rwanda of arming M23 and sending troops to support the rebels, a claim backed by both the United Nations (UN) and the United States (US). However, Rwanda has repeatedly denied involvement, instead asserting that its forces are acting in self-defence against the Congolese army and its allied militias. Additionally, Kinshasa has accused Rwanda of illegally exploiting mineral resources in the region—an allegation Kigali also rejects.
According to a joint statement from Qatar’s Foreign Ministry, the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to ending hostilities but did not outline concrete steps for implementation or monitoring. The statement also highlighted their agreement to continue discussions in Doha to build a solid foundation for lasting peace.
The surprise meeting in Doha came despite long-standing hostilities between the two leaders, who have frequently exchanged public accusations over the conflict. In a separate statement, the Rwandan presidency insisted that direct talks between the DRC government and M23 were essential to resolving the conflict’s root causes.
President Kagame expressed optimism, stating that if “all parties work together, things can move forward faster.”Meanwhile, Tina Salama, spokeswoman for President Tshisekedi, credited Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, for initiating the dialogue, describing Qatar as a strategic ally of both nations.
The DR Congo government called the talks a first step towards lasting peace, hinting at further negotiations. However, skepticism remains following the collapse of Angola-brokered peace talks in December, when Rwanda demanded that Kinshasa negotiate directly with M23.
The latest attempt at mediation came as efforts to bring the Congolese government and M23 rebels to the table failed yet again. On Monday, the rebels withdrew from talks after the European Union (EU) imposed sanctions on their leadership.
With no clear roadmap for enforcing the ceasefire, the conflict in eastern DRC remains precarious, leaving millions displaced and regional stability in jeopardy.
