Peace talks scheduled for Wednesday in Doha between the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group have been postponed, despite initial expectations that this would mark their first direct negotiations since the rebels seized key cities in eastern Congo.
The recent M23 advance has resulted in thousands of deaths and displaced hundreds of thousands, heightening concerns of a broader regional conflict. A Congolese official said the reason for the delay remained unclear, noting that neither side had received formal invitations by Monday.
In March, a surprise meeting in Qatar brought Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame together, with both leaders agreeing on the need for a ceasefire. While international observers, including the UN and several Western governments, have accused Rwanda of supplying arms and troops to M23, Kigali maintains its forces act in self-defence and denies supporting the rebel group.
The long-running conflict stems from the aftermath of Rwanda’s 1994 genocide and the ongoing struggle for control of Congo’s mineral wealth. Armed forces from Congo, Rwanda, and Burundi are involved in the fighting, increasing fears of a full-scale regional war.
Although M23 has consistently pushed for direct talks, President Tshisekedi has long rejected their demands, insisting the group acts merely as a proxy for Rwanda.