Armed conflict

Peace Talks Between DRC, M23 Begin in Qatar

APR 10 2025·Updated APR 12 2025

Story

Above: Soldiers of the March 23 Movement (M23) rebel armed group are seen in Goma, the Democratic Republic of the Congo on April 7, 2025. Image credit: Zanem Nety Zaidi/Contributor/Xinhua via Getty Images

The Facts

Two Congolese officials and two representatives for the anti-government March 23 Movement (M23) rebel group speaking on condition of anonymity said on Thursday that Qatari-mediated talks in Doha for a ceasefire in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo have begun.
The Associated Press
Reuters
They added that the delegations had a face-to-face meeting in the Qatari capital on Wednesday and that the framework for talks was still being discussed. However, one of the rebel delegates claimed that his counterparts lacked "qualifications or the ability to negotiate," and a Congolese official warned that any conflict resolution would take months.
The Associated Press
Reuters
Reports suggest that M23 is demanding amnesty for its members and a guarantee that the Congolese delegation in Doha will have full decision-making power, among other preconditions, while the DRC government wants M23 to withdraw from seized areas, including Goma and Bukavu, as well as to disarm and demobilize.
The Associated Press
Critical Threats
This comes one day after Reuters reported that peace talks scheduled to kick off on Wednesday had been postponed indefinitely for an undisclosed reason, adding that Qatar had yet to send official invitations to both sides.
Critical Threats
France 24
Also on Thursday, Congolese news outlets reported that M23 forces reinforced their positions in the northern district of Kalehe, South Kivu after the pro-government Wazalendo militia recaptured up to a dozen villages. M23's offensive has resulted in large-scale displacement this year and has allowed the group to control the DRC's eastern border areas.
Critical Threats
The Jerusalem Post
Earlier this week, former Congolese President Joseph Kabila announced his return to the country in a letter to the French magazine Jeune Afrique, as his party has relaunched its political activities. President Felix Tshisekedi has publicly accused him of preparing an insurrection and supporting the rebels.
Africa News
Critical Threats

Sources Split

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CENTER

RIGHT

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ESTAB

The Spin

Narrative A

Congolese people continue to suffer in eastern DRC as millions have been forced out of their homes over the past three years — dialogue is crucial to break this never-ending cycle of violence. It's about time to address the root causes of this conflict, such as the legitimate grievances of rebels and Rwanda's interference in the country.

Daily Maverick

Narrative B

M23 is committed to peace negotiations, and its actions reassert just that. Yet, Kinshasa may rest assured that provocations or attacks against civilians in the liberated areas and its other positions will trigger a strong response to eliminate the threat at its source.