Delegations from the Democratic Republic of Congo government and the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have recently convened in Qatar.
This marks their first direct meeting in an extended period, according to a source familiar with the discussions.
The aim of these talks, hosted discreetly in Doha by Qatari mediators last week, is to find a path to halt the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC.
The M23 has seized control of significant territories within the North and South Kivu provinces since 2021.
Their offensive earlier this year saw them briefly capture the key provincial capitals of Goma and Bukavu.
Further discussions are anticipated in Doha, with Qatar continuing its mediation efforts.
The objective remains to build on the initial contact and explore viable solutions for a peaceful resolution to the protracted conflict.
The source described the initial round of talks in late March as “positive.”
This initial engagement reportedly fostered “trust between the two sides,” leading to the M23’s withdrawal from the strategically vital city of Walikale as a sign of goodwill.
However, the DRC army on Thursday accused the M23 of violating this commitment.
They alleged the rebels were reinforcing positions and resuming attacks near a crucial mining hub, representing their deepest westward advance since 2012.
A senior M23 member, speaking anonymously, countered by stating that the army had attacked their positions in Walikale.