Mediated by Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and hosted in Qatar, the peace meeting marks a significant step toward resolving tensions in Rwanda and DR Congo.
The talks could be a crucial move toward ending the year-long conflict, which has seen the M23 militia seize control of two key cities—Goma and Bukavu—over the past two months.
According to BBC, these direct negotiations in Qatar represent the first time the two leaders have met since Rwanda-backed M23 rebels escalated their offensive in the region.
Authorities report that the conflict has claimed 7,000 lives since January.
Details of the peace talks
According to a joint statement issued by the State of Qatar, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the Republic of Rwanda, the Heads of State welcomed the progress made in the Luanda and Nairobi processes, as well as the joint EAC-SADC summit held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on February 8, 2025.
They reaffirmed the commitment of all parties to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, as agreed at the summit.
Additionally, they emphasized the need to continue discussions initiated in Doha to establish a solid foundation for lasting peace, aligning with the objectives of the merged Luanda and Nairobi processes.
However, details on its implementation and monitoring have not been clarified.
While confirming the talks in Doha, the Rwandan presidency in a separate statement emphasized that direct negotiations between DR Congo and the M23 rebels were a key factor to addressing the root causes of the conflict.
The BBC reports that the DR Congo presidential spokeswoman, Tina Salama acknowledged Qatar’s role in initiating the talks, describing the Gulf nation as a “strategic ally” to both countries.
The Congolese government added that the meeting marked the first step toward establishing a foundation for lasting peace in the volatile east, suggesting that further talks could follow.
Previously, both leaders had planned to hold negotiations in Angola, but the plan collapsed due to a deadlock.
Rwanda insisted that DR Congo engage in direct talks with M23 rebels, a demand rejected by the Congolese presidency.
However, the Qatar peace talks offer a renewed opportunity for a breakthrough. A successful outcome could help stabilize the region, which has long been plagued by violence and humanitarian crises.
