A new phase of negotiations comes two weeks after the signing of a peace agreement in Washington between Kinshasa and Kigali, and amid heightened tensions on the battlefield. Yet, mediators remain hopeful.
Delegations from the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo and the rebel group AFC/M23 have arrived in Doha, Qatar, where peace talks that began several months ago are set to resume. What sets this new phase apart from previous ones is the level of representation.
This political and military movement opposing the current regime is now represented by Benjamin Mbonimpa, the group’s Secretary General who also serves as its acting Prime Minister, according to sources from AFC/M23 relayed to RFI.
On Kinshasa’s side, the identities of the delegates remain confidential. However, multiple sources confirm that those involved in signing the Washington peace agreement are among the delegation.
A diplomat closely following the dossier views this phase as critical, explaining that its success will depend on both sides honoring their commitments—namely, a ceasefire, the release of prisoners, and other key terms. To this end, the U.S. and Qatar are applying strong diplomatic pressure.
In this mediation process, Doha is working closely with regional partners to emphasize Africa’s role in the resolution. According to one diplomat based in Central Africa: “Qatar doesn’t want to fail.” The partnership seeks to align all efforts toward a single goal: sustainable and comprehensive peace, as advocated by civil society organizations.
Despite this, tensions on the ground remain high. Both sides continue to eye each other warily. Reports indicate that AFC/M23 is waiting for confidence-building measures to be implemented before proceeding further in the negotiations.
The group continues to accuse Kinshasa of showing a willingness to escalate the conflict, citing the build-up of troops and military equipment near M23-controlled areas, even as the government claims to support the peace dialogue.
