Doha, Qatar
By Agencies
Rwandan President Paul Kagame and his DR Congo counterpart Félix Tshisekedi met in Doha on Tuesday in a major diplomatic effort aimed at ending hostilities in eastern DR Congo.
Hosted by Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the meeting sought to revive stalled peace efforts and reinforce commitments to a ceasefire.
Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the talks as a significant step toward stability in the region.
“The State of Qatar remains dedicated to facilitating dialogue and cooperation between all parties to ensure lasting peace in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the broader region,” the ministry said in a statement.
The discussions built on previous negotiations under the Luanda and Nairobi peace processes, which were recently merged with the East African Community-SADC initiative.
The leaders reaffirmed commitments to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, as agreed at the Dar es Salaam summit in February.
“The discussions held in Doha reflect our collective determination to foster stability and security in the region. The Emir’s invitation to the two leaders underscores Qatar’s role as a neutral facilitator in addressing complex geopolitical challenges,” the ministry added.
The meeting came amid a deepening crisis between the two neighbours, with DR Congo repeatedly accusing Rwanda of backing the M23 rebels, who have recently captured the strategic cities of Bunagana and Kitshanga in North Kivu province.
The Congolese government has insisted that the group, which reignited its insurgency in late 2021, is an extension of Rwandan interests in the region—an allegation Kigali has consistently denied.
Relations between Kagame and Tshisekedi have deteriorated sharply over the last six three, with both leaders trading accusations over the conflict.
Tshisekedi has in the past refused direct talks with Kagame – whom he likened to Nazi leader Adolf Hitler – insisting that Rwanda must first withdraw its alleged support for M23.
However, the growing regional pressure and worsening security situation appear to have forced a recalibration of his stance.
Rwanda, meanwhile, has been hit by international sanctions over its alleged involvement in DR Congo’s unrest.
The United States, European Union, and several other Western countries have imposed restrictions on Rwandan officials and withdrawn aid but Qatar appears to have worked a different magic to the political stalemate.
Despite this, M23 continues to make territorial gains, further complicating peace efforts.
Qatar’s role in convening the meeting signals an attempt to break the deadlock. While no concrete resolutions were announced, the fact that Kagame and Tshisekedi sat down for discussions for the first time in months suggests a potential opening for renewed diplomatic engagement.
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