Fragile peace in Doha: Congo and M23 seek truce amid rising violence

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the M23 rebel group have resumed negotiations in Qatar, aiming to revive a faltering truce signed in July.
Despite the Qatari-brokered agreement, fighting has intensified in eastern Congo, particularly in North and South Kivu, displacing over two million people this year alone. Talks in Doha focus on a three-phase peace process, including mechanisms to monitor the ceasefire and facilitate prisoner exchanges. Qatar’s Foreign Ministry confirmed support from the United States and the International Committee of the Red Cross. However, Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi has reportedly voiced dissatisfaction with the current draft proposal, and both sides continue to accuse each other of violating the ceasefire.
The M23, backed by Rwanda according to UN reports, rejected a prior U.S.-mediated deal signed between Kinshasa and Kigali, insisting on direct talks to address unresolved political grievances. Their capture of Goma earlier this year underscored their strength and deepened regional concerns. Rights groups report ethnically targeted massacres by M23 and continued support from Rwandan forces, allegations Kigali denies. Amnesty International has warned that abuses on the ground may constitute crimes against humanity. With one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises unfolding in Congo’s resource-rich east, the outcome of the Doha talks could determine whether peace remains possible — or slips further out of reach.