The Democratic Republic of Congo and M23 rebels announced Thursday they will return to peace talks in Qatar, amid mounting U.S. pressure to end fighting that has stalled major mining investments in the resource-rich region.
The rebel group, backed by Rwanda, now controls more territory in eastern Congo than at any time in its history following a swift military offensive earlier this year. The conflict has killed thousands and displaced hundreds of thousands, deepening instability in an area key to global supply chains for cobalt, copper, tantalum, lithium, and gold.
Washington is working to broker a broader deal between Congo and Rwanda aimed at ending hostilities and opening the door to billions in Western mining investments. A separate, parallel mediation track in Doha is being hosted by Qatar, where both the Congolese government and M23 have agreed to resume dialogue.
Last week, Rwandan and Congolese foreign ministers signed a preliminary peace accord in Washington, committing to implement a 2024 deal that would see Rwanda withdraw its forces from eastern Congo within 90 days. U.S. President Donald Trump hosted the two sides and has invited Presidents Félix Tshisekedi and Paul Kagame to Washington later this month to sign what senior adviser Massad Boulos dubbed the “Washington Accord.”
“We would love to hold that summit by the end of July,” Boulos told reporters Wednesday, adding that a finalized agreement in Doha would help pave the way.
Doha Talks Resume, But Tensions Linger
At a press conference Thursday, M23 representative Benjamin Mbonimpa confirmed that rebel delegates would return to Doha but accused Kinshasa of dragging its feet.
“Since the Washington agreement, the Qatari mediators have reached out three times, but Kinshasa is not engaging seriously,” he said, restating rebel demands that include the release of imprisoned fighters and reopening banks in areas under M23 control.
Congo’s presidency told Reuters that its delegation is also heading back to Qatar for the next round of talks.
Meanwhile, a new U.N. expert panel report reviewed by Reuters states that Rwanda exercised “command and control” over M23 during its latest offensive—a claim Kigali denies. A Rwandan government spokesperson said the report “misrepresents Rwanda’s legitimate security concerns,” particularly regarding Hutu militias still operating near its border, some of whom are linked to the 1994 genocide.
Despite remaining friction, Boulos expressed cautious optimism. “Both President Tshisekedi and President Kagame are serious about peace,” he said. “We think a comprehensive deal is within reach.”