Diplomatic sources have confirmed that Qatar is currently hosting negotiations between the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the armed M23 movement, aiming to expand the peace agreement signed at the end of June between the DRC and Rwanda.
An anonymous diplomat stated that both delegations are in Doha, where Qatar is mediating the talks in cooperation with the African Union. This round is considered “crucial” to settling unresolved issues from the initial deal.
Clashes have intensified in recent months in eastern Congo, a mineral-rich region, after M23 seized control of the strategic cities of Goma and Bukavu, leaving thousands dead and triggering mass displacement.
In July, UN experts accused Rwanda of playing a “key” role in supporting the movement—a claim Kigali denied—while calling for action against other armed groups such as the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR).
These talks follow the “Declaration of Principles” signed in Washington in late June under U.S. sponsorship, marking a step toward lasting peace in a region plagued by conflict for over 30 years.
