The M23 rebel group, which opposes the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has officially recalled its delegation that had been sent to Doha, Qatar for peace negotiations with the Congolese state.
The M23 representatives, who had spent 30 days in talks with the DRC government, have now been called back to Goma.
Independent journalist Steve Wembi, who is now closely aligned with both M23 and the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC) coalition it is part of, reported that the delegation—led by Benjamin Mbonimpa (one of the permanent secretaries of AFC/M23)—returned earlier this week.
So far, neither Kinshasa nor M23 has provided detailed information on what was agreed during the talks.
In April this year, both sides had released a joint statement affirming their commitment to a ceasefire, aimed at creating a positive environment for peace negotiations.
The talks, according to both Kinshasa and M23, focused on “the root causes of the ongoing war and long-term solutions to end it in eastern Congo.”
Representatives of the DRC and AFC/M23 pledged to uphold these commitments throughout the talks until a lasting solution is reached. They also urged all Congolese citizens, religious leaders, and the media to support and spread this message of peace and hope.
On March 18, 2025, the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, hosted Rwandan President Paul Kagame and DRC President FĂ©lix Tshisekedi in talks aimed at easing long-standing tensions between the two countries.
These discussions were followed by a visit to Qatar by senior AFC/M23 representatives, including its political leader Bertrand Bisimwa and Colonel Nzenze Imani John, head of intelligence and military operations.
During that visit, the Qatari government engaged the AFC/M23 delegates, who explained why they took up arms and what they demand from the DRC government.
M23 has now withdrawn its delegation at a time when new fighting may break out between the rebel group and government forces in the western part of North Kivu province.
This comes after M23 warned residents of Walikale Territory this week that it may seize control of the nearby town of Pinga.
