DR Congo and Rwanda Call for Ceasefire During Qatar Talks

In a historic meeting mediated by Qatar, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame have called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in eastern Congo, where M23 rebels continue their offensive.

The two leaders, who met in Doha for the first time since M23 seized major cities in eastern DRC, reaffirmed their commitment to de-escalating the conflict, according to a joint statement with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, who brokered the talks.

However, the effectiveness of the ceasefire remains uncertain, as M23 rebels refused to participate in separate Angola-brokered peace talks after the European Union imposed sanctions on their leadership earlier this week.

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Key Takeaways from the Meeting

1. Immediate Ceasefire Pledged

• Tshisekedi and Kagame agreed to halt hostilities and pursue further dialogue in Doha to lay the foundations for a lasting peace.
• No clear monitoring mechanisms were outlined for the ceasefire, raising concerns about enforcement.

2. M23 Rebels Continue Offensive Despite Calls for Peace

• The M23 group, which has seized the strategic cities of Goma and Bukavu, did not participate in the Doha talks.
• M23 withdrew from separate Angola-led peace talks on Monday, citing EU sanctions as a barrier to negotiations.
• UN reports estimate that M23 is backed by 4,000 Rwandan troops, an accusation Kigali continues to deny.

3. European Union Imposes Sanctions

• M23’s leader Bertrand Bisimwa and several high-ranking commanders were sanctioned by the EU for their role in the escalating violence.
• Three senior Rwandan military officials and the head of Rwanda’s mining agency were also targeted by sanctions, increasing diplomatic pressure on Kigali.

Background: Why is the DRC-Rwanda Conflict Escalating?

The war in eastern DRC is deeply rooted in historical tensions, dating back to the aftermath of Rwanda’s 1994 genocide and competition over DRC’s vast mineral wealth.

• Congo accuses Rwanda of arming and supporting M23 rebels in an attempt to secure access to valuable gold, coltan, and tantalum reserves.
• Rwanda denies the allegations, claiming its troops act in self-defense against Congolese forces and allied militias that threaten Kigali’s security.
• Over 100 armed groups operate in eastern DRC, making peace efforts extremely complex.

The conflict has killed over 7,000 people since January 2025, and displaced more than 7 million civilians, creating one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.

Qatar’s Role in Mediation

Qatar, known for mediating conflicts globally, has hosted peace talks for:

• The Taliban and the U.S. during the Afghanistan war.
• Israel-Hamas ceasefire negotiations before they collapsed earlier this week.
• Chad’s talks with rebel groups.

“Developments on the ground are making things difficult for Félix Tshisekedi. He needs to find a solution,” said Congolese analyst Bob Kabamba of the University of Liège.

While the Doha meeting was informal, analysts say it signals that both sides are open to further diplomatic engagement.

What Happens Next?

• Will M23 respect the ceasefire?

  • With rebels controlling major cities, they hold the upper hand militarily and may not comply unless stronger enforcement mechanisms are introduced.

• Will Rwanda and DRC hold direct peace talks with M23?

  • Kigali insists that the Congolese government must negotiate with M23 directly—a demand Tshisekedi has so far rejected.

• Will international sanctions pressure Rwanda?

  • With EU sanctions now targeting Rwandan military leaders and mining operations, economic and diplomatic fallout could escalate.

• Will regional and international actors intervene?

  • Angola, Kenya, and the African Union have all attempted to mediate peace, but without Rwanda and DRC reaching a formal agreement, instability is expected to continue.

Conclusion: A Step Toward Peace or Another Failed Ceasefire?

While the Tshisekedi-Kagame meeting in Doha marks a diplomatic breakthrough, lasting peace in eastern DRC remains elusive.

With M23 rebels unmoved by diplomatic gestures, Rwanda and DRC still at odds, and millions displaced by war, the crisis is far from over.

The coming weeks will determine whether this ceasefire is a turning point or another failed attempt to end decades of conflict.