The presidents of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda, Felix Tshisekedi and Paul Kagame, called for an immediate ceasefire in eastern Congo during a Qatar-mediated meeting.
It marked their first encounter since the M23 rebel offensive intensified in January, escalating regional tensions.
The joint statement, issued with Qatar, emphasized an “immediate and unconditional” cessation of hostilities.
Despite the ceasefire call, the impact on M23 insurgents, who control significant territory, remains uncertain.
Congo accuses Rwanda of supporting the rebels with arms and troops, a claim Rwanda denies, citing self-defense.
The Doha meeting, described as “informal” by a diplomat, aimed to foster dialogue for lasting peace.
Both presidents agreed to continue discussions initiated in Qatar.
The conflict, rooted in the 1994 Rwandan genocide and mineral competition, has spiraled, displacing hundreds of thousands.
A planned meeting in Angola, intended to bring Congo and M23 together, collapsed when the rebel group withdrew.
Qatar, known for mediating conflicts, leveraged its ties with Rwanda to facilitate the discussions.
Analysts suggest that the DRC president faces mounting pressure to find a resolution amid worsening conditions.