Peace negotiations between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) government and M23 rebels in Doha, Qatar, have made significant progress, with both sides committing to steps aimed at ending the long-standing conflict.
The dialogue, which began earlier this month, is being mediated by Qatar’s Emir, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. On Wednesday, M23’s political spokesperson, Lawrence Kanyuka, announced in a statement that both parties had agreed on a set of recommendations intended to guide the peace process.
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These include a mutual commitment to an immediate and effective ceasefire, a complete halt to hostilities, condemnation of hate speech and threats, and an agreement to address the root causes of the conflict in eastern DRC. The parties also pledged to determine the appropriate mechanisms for ending the crisis.
In addition, they jointly urged the Congolese public, religious institutions, and media to promote the message of peace and unity. On Thursday, Papy Mbuyi Kanguvu, head of the DRC government delegation, released a matching statement, confirming the agreements.
Notably, this marks the first time since fighting resumed in 2022 that the DRC government has issued a statement without referring to M23 as terrorists allegedly backed by Rwanda. Government spokesperson Patrick Katembwe Muyaya also confirmed on Thursday that the discussions have taken a constructive direction.
Despite these encouraging developments, uncertainty remains. Armed confrontations between the Congolese military (FARDC) and M23, backed by allied forces, continued as recently as Tuesday in Mikumbi and Miba villages, near Kibati in North Kivu’s Walikale territory.
M23 continues to hold key territories in North and South Kivu, including major cities like Goma and Bukavu, as well as Goma International Airport and Kavumu Airport. The rebellion, led by Bertrand Bisimwa and Emmanuel Sultan Makenga since 2022, has drawn accusations from the DRC government of Rwandan support—claims both Rwanda and M23 deny.
The rebel group maintains that its struggle is driven by opposition to corruption, xenophobia, and ethnic discrimination within the Congolese government.
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