DR Congo and Rwanda Call for Immediate Ceasefire

In a significant diplomatic development, the presidents of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda met in Doha, Qatar to discuss the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC.

Photo by Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs

President Félix Tshisekedi of the DRC and President Paul Kagame of Rwanda held their first direct talks since the escalation of violence in the region, which has reportedly claimed 7,000 lives since January.

The meeting, facilitated by Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, resulted in a joint statement calling for an "immediate and unconditional" ceasefire in eastern DRC.

This diplomatic breakthrough comes at a crucial time, as the M23 rebels, allegedly backed by Rwanda, have recently captured two key cities, Goma and Bukavu, in the past two months.

The conflict in eastern DRC has been marked by accusations from the Congolese government that Rwanda is arming and supporting the M23 rebels, claims that Rwanda has consistently denied.

Rwanda maintains that its military actions are in self-defense against the DRC army and allied militias. The situation is further complicated by allegations of illegal mineral exploitation in the region.

While the joint statement reaffirmed both leaders' commitment to peace, it did not provide specific details on how the ceasefire would be implemented or monitored. The presidents agreed to continue discussions initiated in Doha to establish a foundation for lasting peace in the region.

This meeting follows a series of failed peace initiatives, including the collapse of Angola-brokered talks in December 2024 and the recent withdrawal of M23 rebels from planned negotiations in Angola following EU sanctions on their leadership. The Doha talks represent a potential turning point in diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict.

The Rwandan presidency, while confirming the talks, emphasized the importance of direct dialogue between the DRC government and M23 rebels to address the root causes of the conflict. President Kagame expressed optimism that collaborative efforts could accelerate progress towards peace.

As the situation in eastern DRC remains volatile, with numerous armed groups operating in the mineral-rich region, the international community watches closely. The conflict has resulted in one of the world's most severe humanitarian crises, displacing over 7 million people.

The unexpected meeting in Qatar has sparked cautious hope for a peaceful resolution to the long-standing conflict. However, the effectiveness of the ceasefire call remains to be seen, particularly given the M23's absence from recent peace talks and the complex web of regional tensions.