DR Congo and Rwanda Call for Immediate Ceasefire in Qatar Talks
Presidents Tshisekedi and Kagame Meet for First Time Amid Escalating Conflict
The Democratic Republic of Congo’s President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame have jointly called for an “immediate ceasefire” in eastern DR Congo following direct talks in Qatar.
This marks the first time the two leaders have met since M23 rebels—widely believed to be backed by Rwanda—intensified their offensive in the region, where authorities report at least 7,000 deaths since January.
Despite the ceasefire call, it remains uncertain whether M23 will comply, as the rebel group refused to attend peace talks in Angola on Tuesday.
Accusations and Rising Tensions
The DR Congo government has long accused Rwanda of providing arms and sending troops to support M23, allegations that have been backed by both the UN and the US. However, Rwanda has denied any involvement, insisting that its forces are only acting in self-defense against the Congolese army and allied militias.
Kinshasa has also accused Kigali of illegally exploiting mineral resources in eastern DR Congo, another claim Rwanda firmly rejects.
Failed Peace Talks and Rebel Gains
Attempts at brokering peace have repeatedly faltered. In December, negotiations mediated by Angola collapsed after Rwanda demanded that DR Congo hold direct discussions with M23, a move Kinshasa opposed. Since then, the rebels have made significant territorial gains, seizing the key cities of Goma and Bukavu over the past two months.
Uncertain Path Forward
A joint statement from Qatar’s Foreign Ministry on Tuesday confirmed that both presidents had reaffirmed their commitment to an “immediate and unconditional” ceasefire. However, details on how this truce would be enforced or monitored remain unclear.
“The heads of state agreed on the need to continue the discussions initiated in Doha in order to establish solid foundations for lasting peace,” the statement added.
The surprise meeting between Tshisekedi and Kagame marks a notable shift, as both leaders have previously exchanged public criticisms over the conflict.
While Rwanda's presidency acknowledged the talks, it maintained that direct negotiations between DR Congo and M23 are essential to addressing the underlying causes of the crisis. President Kagame stated that progress could be made more quickly if “all parties work together.”
Meanwhile, DR Congo’s presidential spokeswoman, Tina Salama, credited Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani for facilitating the dialogue, describing Qatar as a "strategic ally" to both African nations.
In an official statement, Kinshasa described the meeting as a crucial step towards long-term peace in eastern DR Congo, hinting at further negotiations.
The renewed diplomatic efforts come after a prior attempt to bring DR Congo’s government and M23 to the negotiating table collapsed. The rebels withdrew from talks on Monday following the European Union’s decision to impose sanctions on their leadership.
With the region on edge, the success of this ceasefire remains uncertain, as both sides weigh their next moves.
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