Congo, M23 Rebels Hold First Talks in Qatar

Congo and M23 Rebels Begin Private Talks Amid Ongoing Conflict

Sunday, April 6, 2025

For the first time since launching a sweeping offensive in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, the M23 rebel group has held direct, closed-door talks with the Congolese government in Qatar, signaling a possible breakthrough in one of the region’s most volatile conflicts.

The confidential discussions took place last week in Doha, according to a source familiar with the matter, and are set to continue next week. The meeting marks the most significant development toward de-escalation since M23 captured Goma and Bukavu—eastern Congo’s two largest cities—earlier this year in a campaign that has resulted in thousands of deaths and displaced hundreds of thousands of civilians.

The intensifying violence has sparked alarm over the potential for a broader regional conflict, as neighboring countries Uganda and Burundi have also deployed troops to the conflict zone.

While official comment was not immediately provided by either the Congolese government or M23, the source, speaking on condition of anonymity, described last week's talks as “positive.” As a gesture of goodwill following the meeting, M23 reportedly withdrew from the mineral-rich town of Walikale—an area vital due to its deposits of tin and other resources.

Two residents, along with a local official and military personnel, confirmed to Reuters that M23 forces had vacated Walikale. The withdrawal comes after an initial failure to comply with a March pledge by the rebels, who accused the Congolese army of violating prior agreements by continuing to operate attack drones in contested zones.

Formal negotiations remain on track, with both sides expected to meet again in Doha on April 9.

The conflict has long drawn international concern, particularly over allegations involving regional involvement. The United Nations and several Western nations have accused Rwanda of supplying weapons and troops to support M23, a group predominantly led by ethnic Tutsis.

Kigali, however, has consistently denied these claims. Rwandan officials assert that their military presence in the area is strictly defensive, aimed at countering threats from the Congolese army and an armed militia formed by individuals responsible for the 1994 genocide.

As the situation unfolds, attention will be focused on whether continued dialogue can bring stability to the eastern Congo region and prevent a full-scale regional war.