Qatar’s mediation efforts to revive peace talks between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) government and the March 23 Movement (M23) are facing fresh challenges, as deep divisions persist between the two sides over key political issues.
Qatari mediators are currently drafting the 13th version of the proposed agreement, taking advantage of the presence of both delegations in Doha attending the Second World Summit for Social Development.
The core dispute centers on how state authority should be restored in areas under rebel control.
The Congolese government insists that the M23 must withdraw first as a precondition for talks, while the movement argues that withdrawal should be part of the negotiated outcome, proposing instead the creation of a national unity government.
The talks unfold amid rising political tension between the DRC and Rwanda, each accusing the other of destabilizing the region.
Despite the hurdles, Doha remains hopeful of reaching a preliminary agreement within days, paving the way for a follow-up meeting in the United States to finalize and endorse the peace framework.
