Doha: Democratic Republic of Congo President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in eastern Congo during a meeting in Doha, Qatar, on Tuesday. The sit-down, mediated by Qatar’s emir, marked the first direct engagement between the two leaders since M23 rebels escalated their offensive in January.
A joint statement released after the talks, along with Qatar, emphasized the urgency of halting hostilities, stating that the ceasefire should take effect without delay.
Mounting Tensions and Failed Negotiations
Congo has repeatedly accused Rwanda of arming and deploying troops to support the M23 rebels, whose ongoing offensive has driven eastern Congo into its worst conflict in decades. Rwanda, in response, has defended its military actions, claiming its forces are operating in self-defense against Congo’s army and hostile militias.
Efforts to broker peace have faced setbacks. An attempted meeting between the Congolese government and M23 leaders in Angola collapsed after the rebels withdrew just a day before negotiations were scheduled to begin.
During the Doha talks, Tshisekedi and Kagame “agreed on the need to continue the discussions initiated in Doha in order to establish solid foundations for lasting peace,” according to the joint statement.
A diplomat familiar with the negotiations described the meeting as “informal” and clarified that it was “not meant to replace any existing efforts.”
Conflict Rooted in History and Mineral Wealth
The crisis in eastern Congo stems from deep historical grievances, tracing back to the aftermath of Rwanda’s 1994 genocide and fierce competition for the region’s vast mineral resources. The fighting has intensified in recent months, leading to thousands of deaths and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people.
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Qatar’s Role as Mediator
Qatar has increasingly positioned itself as a key diplomatic mediator in global conflicts. The Gulf state has played an active role in negotiations between Israel and Hamas, as well as peace efforts in other volatile regions.
According to Congolese analyst Bob Kabamba from the University of Liege, Kagame’s strong ties with Qatar made it difficult for him to decline the invitation to Tuesday’s talks—an aspect Tshisekedi was likely aware of.
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“Developments on the ground are making things difficult for Felix Tshisekedi. He needs to find a solution,” Kabamba noted.
Outlook for Peace
While Tuesday’s meeting marked a step toward dialogue, it remains uncertain whether the ceasefire call will translate into concrete action on the battlefield. With diplomatic efforts struggling to gain traction and rebel activity persisting, eastern Congo’s path to stability remains precarious.
