Efforts to resolve the escalating conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) took a fresh turn this week as both the Congolese government and M23 rebels announced plans to resume peace talks in Qatar. The renewed dialogue comes amid heightened pressure from the United States under the leadership of President Donald Trump, whose administration is pushing for a lasting ceasefire to unlock billions in Western mining investments.
M23, a Rwanda-backed rebel group, currently controls more territory in eastern Congo than ever before following a swift offensive earlier this year. The violence, rooted in regional tensions that stretch back to the Rwandan genocide three decades ago, has displaced hundreds of thousands and left thousands dead.
In a major diplomatic development last week, the foreign ministers of Rwanda and Congo signed a peace accord in Washington, committing to implement a 2024 agreement that would see Rwandan troops withdraw from eastern Congo within 90 days. The agreement, part of what Trump adviser Massad Boulos dubbed the “Washington Accord,” was followed by Trump inviting Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame to Washington later this month to finalize a broader peace and investment package.
While U.S. officials hope to conclude a peace deal in Doha by the end of July, progress remains fragile. M23 representatives expressed frustration on Thursday, accusing Kinshasa of stalling the process.
“Since the signing of the Washington agreement, we have been contacted three times by the Qatari mediator to resume dialogue,” said M23 delegate Benjamin Mbonimpa. He reiterated rebel demands for the release of imprisoned fighters and reopening of banks in rebel-held zones.
Congo’s presidency confirmed that government negotiators will also be heading back to Doha.
Meanwhile, a UN expert report leaked to Reuters asserts that Rwanda continues to exert command over M23 operations—an allegation Kigali firmly denies, citing ongoing threats from Hutu militias in the region.
Despite lingering mistrust and complex preconditions, Boulos said on Wednesday he remained “optimistic” that Tshisekedi and Kagame are committed to a breakthrough. The coming weeks could prove pivotal in shaping the future of a region rich in minerals and mired in conflict.
