The Democratic Republic of Congo’s government and the M23 rebel group are set to engage in direct negotiations on April 9 in Doha, according to sources from both sides. The meeting is part of Qatar’s ongoing efforts to mediate one of Central Africa’s deadliest conflicts.
This will be the first face-to-face meeting between Kinshasa and M23 since the rebel group seized two major cities in eastern Congo. The rapid offensive has left thousands dead and displaced hundreds of thousands. A Congolese official confirmed the talks but warned they could be derailed if M23 does not cooperate. A representative from the rebel group also confirmed the date and said they would present their demands to Kinshasa. Both parties have agreed to keep details of the discussions private.
On March 18, Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame met unexpectedly in Doha, signaling a possible shift in diplomacy. Qatar followed up by hosting separate discussions with Congolese officials and M23 representatives last week. However, no direct talks between Kinshasa and the rebel group have taken place yet, according to sources.
Rwanda denies supporting M23, insisting its military actions in the region are defensive measures against threats from Congolese forces and militias hostile to Kigali.
The conflict in eastern Congo, near the borders of Rwanda and Uganda, has deep roots in the aftermath of Rwanda’s 1994 genocide and ongoing battles over valuable mineral resources. M23 has long pushed for direct negotiations with Kinshasa, but President Tshisekedi previously refused, arguing that the group was a proxy for Rwanda. However, recent military setbacks prompted him to change his stance and agree to send representatives to Luanda for talks.
That meeting, scheduled to take place in Angola’s capital, was abruptly canceled when M23 withdrew, citing new sanctions imposed by the European Union.
With the Doha talks approaching, the focus remains on whether this diplomatic effort will lead to progress or become yet another stalled peace initiative in eastern Congo’s prolonged conflict.