A planned round of direct peace talks between the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the M23 rebel group has been postponed with no new date announced, according to sources close to both delegations.
The negotiations, scheduled to take place in Doha on Wednesday, were expected to mark a critical step in efforts to end escalating violence in eastern Congo. This would have been the first official dialogue between the two sides since M23 launched a rapid offensive that led to the capture of key cities, widespread displacement, and mounting regional tension.
Despite the high stakes, the talks were delayed due to what officials described as logistical setbacks. “It’s simply a matter of organisation,” a Congolese official said, noting that formal invitations had not yet been issued at the start of the week.
The delay comes just weeks after a surprise meeting in Doha between Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame, facilitated by Qatari mediation. That meeting concluded with a joint call for a ceasefire and raised hopes of renewed diplomacy.
Tensions between Kinshasa and Kigali have been fuelled by longstanding allegations that Rwanda is backing M23, a claim supported by the United Nations and several Western governments. Rwanda has consistently denied the accusations, insisting its military presence near the border is in response to threats from armed groups operating in Congo, some of which are linked to the perpetrators of the 1994 genocide.
For months, President Tshisekedi has rejected direct negotiations with M23, asserting that the rebel movement functions as a proxy for Rwanda. However, a source familiar with the current peace initiative confirmed that delegates from both sides held a discreet meeting in Doha last week—their first direct encounter in a considerable time.
That quiet engagement reportedly helped prompt M23’s withdrawal from the mineral-rich town of Walikale, a move seen as a gesture of de-escalation. International partners, particularly the United States, have urged both parties to step back from contested zones to enable the resumption of suspended mining operations.
The conflict in eastern Congo is rooted in decades-old grievances, including the aftermath of Rwanda’s genocide and the scramble for control over lucrative mineral resources. With the armies of Congo, Rwanda, and Burundi all involved in recent confrontations, the prospect of a wider regional war remains a serious concern.
While recent backchannel efforts have shown signs of progress, the indefinite postponement of formal talks underscores the fragile state of negotiations. With no timeline for resumption, the path to lasting peace remains uncertain.