Congo Government and M23 Rebels Hold Private Peace Talks in Qatar Amid Escalating Conflict

 Doha, April 6 – The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo and the M23 rebel group held private discussions in Qatar last week, marking the first face-to-face engagement between the two parties since the rebel group’s rapid military gains in eastern Congo earlier this year. A source familiar with the talks confirmed the development to Reuters.

The confidential meetings, held in Doha, signal a potential breakthrough in efforts to halt months of intensified hostilities that have led to the deaths of thousands and displaced hundreds of thousands more since January. The talks are expected to continue next week, with formal negotiations scheduled for April 9.

“These discussions were positive,” the source said, speaking on condition of anonymity. The source added that, as a gesture of goodwill, M23 rebels had withdrawn from the strategic mining town of Walikale, located in a region abundant in tin and other minerals.

Neither the Congolese government nor M23 representatives have commented publicly on the talks as of Saturday.

The withdrawal from Walikale represents a shift in M23's posture. Although the group had pledged to vacate the area last month, it initially refused to do so, accusing the Congolese military of violating prior commitments by failing to withdraw attack drones. However, multiple sources — including two local residents, a regional official, and army personnel — confirmed to Reuters last week that M23 had since left the town.

The April 9 formal talks are still expected to proceed as planned in Doha, offering renewed diplomatic momentum following weeks of escalating violence.

The resurgence of M23 and the rapid seizure of eastern Congo’s two largest cities have raised alarms about a broader regional conflict. Neighboring countries, including Uganda and Burundi, have deployed troops in the affected region, further complicating the situation.

International concerns have also grown over alleged foreign involvement. The United Nations and several Western governments have accused Rwanda of providing military support, including arms and personnel, to the ethnic Tutsi-led M23.

Rwanda has consistently denied these claims. It maintains that its military actions have been limited to self-defence against the Congolese armed forces and the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) — a militia group formed by individuals involved in the 1994 genocide.

As diplomatic efforts resume in Doha, observers remain cautiously hopeful that sustained dialogue could lead to a durable resolution to one of the most volatile conflicts in Central Africa.