President Kagame of Rwanda and President Tshisekedi of the DRC met in Doha on March 18, 2025, to discuss peace initiatives following the M23 militia’s withdrawal from negotiations, triggered by EU sanctions against Rwandan officials. This series of events highlights the complexities of achieving stability in Eastern DRC amid ongoing humanitarian crises affecting millions.
On March 18, 2025, President Paul Kagame of Rwanda and President Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), along with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, convened in Doha for discussions aimed at mitigating tensions in Eastern DRC. This meeting follows an announcement from the M23 militia that they are withdrawing from negotiations with the DRC government, citing the recent imposition of EU sanctions against Rwandan officials as detrimental to the talks.
The M23 militia’s decision to pull out from the negotiations, which were mediated by Angola, has raised concerns about the peace process. After a decade of refraining from direct dialogue with the M23, President Tshisekedi expressed his willingness to engage with the group, indicating a potential shift in the conflict resolution strategy. This development presents a crucial moment for diplomatic efforts to stabilize the region.
Trilateral meetings such as the one held in Doha aim to progress towards a resolution of the ongoing conflict, which has led to significant humanitarian crises and widespread displacement. The involvement of international actors like Qatar highlights the global attention on resolving the DRC’s internal issues, particularly with over seven million people displaced due to violence from various armed factions, including M23.
Alongside the recent talks, the East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) are also working on a roadmap for politically and militarily addressing the ongoing crisis in the DRC. Notably, SADC has decided to conclude its military mission in Eastern DRC following losses suffered there. Such regional cooperation may play a crucial role in fostering long-term stability in one of Africa’s most persistently troubled areas.
The discussions in Doha among Rwanda’s President Kagame, DRC’s President Tshisekedi, and Qatar’s Emir signify a notable effort to address the ongoing instability in Eastern DRC. The M23 militia’s withdrawal from negotiations due to sanctions poses challenges to the peace process. Nevertheless, collective actions from regional organizations and international partners may offer a pathway toward resolving longstanding conflicts and alleviating humanitarian crises in the region.
Original Source: allafrica.com
