Congo-Kinshasa: Qatar Offers Proposal in Stalled Peace Talks Between DRC and M23

Qatar has proposed a peace plan to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and M23 rebels. This follows months of mediation in Doha. However, progress appears slow from Kinshasa's perspective.

Both sides will consult their leaders before resuming talks, according to a source. Yet, sources from the DRC government and M23 doubt any significant progress has been made. An anonymous M23 source stated that the draft is outdated and does not reflect their proposals.

Another source involved in negotiations had a more optimistic view. They said talks have entered a deeper phase, focusing on core issues of the conflict.

Negotiations between the DRC government and M23 have stalled recently. Qatar, along with African nations and the U.S., is involved in these efforts. Fighting in eastern DRC has intensified since January as M23 seized control of major cities.

In March, Qatar facilitated a meeting between DRC President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame. Both leaders called for a ceasefire after this meeting. A joint statement on April 23 raised hopes for a truce, but no progress has followed.

A third round of talks occurred in early May in Doha but yielded no results. AFC/M23 representatives eventually returned to Goma without an agreement. African leaders and Washington are also working towards a peace deal rooted in historical conflicts dating back over three decades.

The Trump administration aims to broker peace between DRC and Rwanda while promoting Western investment in mineral-rich regions. Trump's senior adviser for Africa mentioned he was awaiting feedback from both countries' presidents regarding the peace accord.

RFI correspondents reported at least four direct meetings held in Doha over two months, alongside mediated discussions. One diplomat described it as "almost a dialogue of the deaf."

Some DRC delegates demand that AFC/M23 withdraw from controlled towns before further talks can occur. Meanwhile, AFC/M23 delegates want their officials released.

Tensions remain high in eastern DRC due to former president Joseph Kabila's presence in Goma. Kabila visited Goma last weekend for local talks amid suspicions he seeks to undermine President Tshisekedi’s government by reactivating his networks.