The Democratic Republic of Congo and the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels are set to hold their first direct negotiations on April 9 in Doha, according to sources from both sides, marking a possible breakthrough in efforts to resolve the country’s deadliest conflict in decades.
The meeting, facilitated by Qatar, would be the first time the two sides have met face-to-face since M23 fighters seized control of eastern Congo’s two largest cities in a sweeping offensive that has killed thousands and displaced hundreds of thousands more.
A Congolese official confirmed the talks were scheduled “unless the other side misbehaves,” while an M23 source also acknowledged the date, stating they would present their demands to Kinshasa. Both parties have agreed to keep the details of the discussions private.
The development follows a surprise meeting in Doha on March 18 between Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame. Since then, Qatar has hosted a second round of diplomatic efforts, engaging separately with both M23 representatives and Congolese officials, though no direct talks had taken place until now.
Rwanda continues to deny accusations of backing M23, claiming instead that its military actions are defensive measures against hostile Congolese forces and allied militias.
The conflict, which has destabilized Congo’s eastern border with Rwanda and Uganda, is deeply rooted in the aftermath of the 1994 Rwandan genocide and regional competition over valuable mineral resources.
M23 has long called for direct negotiations, but Tshisekedi had previously refused, asserting that the group was merely a Rwandan proxy. However, amid mounting military setbacks, he agreed last month to send a delegation to Luanda, Angola—talks that were abruptly canceled when M23 withdrew following European Union sanctions.
The upcoming discussions in Doha signal a potential shift in the diplomatic impasse, though whether they will lead to a lasting resolution remains uncertain.