The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and M23 rebels have confirmed they will send delegations back to Doha for renewed peace negotiations, as the Trump administration intensifies efforts to broker a deal that could stabilize the mineral-rich eastern Congo and attract massive Western investment.
The resumption of talks comes just a week after the foreign ministers of Congo and Rwanda signed a peace accord in Washington, pledging to implement a 2024 agreement that includes the withdrawal of Rwandan troops from eastern Congo within 90 days. The deal was witnessed by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who has invited Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame to Washington later this month for a formal signing of what his administration calls the “Washington Accord.”
Massad Boulos, Trump’s senior adviser for Africa, said on Wednesday that the administration hopes to finalize the Doha deal before the end of July summit, expressing optimism about ongoing efforts despite significant challenges.
M23, a Rwandan-backed rebel group, now controls more territory than ever following a rapid military advance earlier this year. The conflict, rooted in the aftermath of the 1994 Rwandan genocide, has led to thousands of deaths and displaced hundreds of thousands.
Speaking Thursday at a press conference, M23 representative Benjamin Mbonimpa confirmed the group’s return to Doha but accused the Kinshasa government of stalling the process. “Since the signing of the Washington agreement, we have been contacted three times by the Qatari mediator to resume dialogue,” Mbonimpa said, insisting on key preconditions such as the release of jailed fighters and restoration of banking services in rebel-held areas.
Congo’s presidency also confirmed to Reuters that its delegation will return to Doha for further discussions.
Meanwhile, a confidential UN report reviewed by Reuters this week said Rwanda maintains command over M23 forces, a claim Kigali strongly denies. Rwandan officials argue that their concerns center around Hutu militias linked to the 1994 genocide operating within Congolese territory.
Despite these tensions, the Trump administration remains hopeful. “Both leaders are serious about peace,” Boulos stated. “We’re working toward a breakthrough that could bring peace and unlock billions in investment.”
The Doha talks are expected to resume in the coming days.
Written By Rodney Mbua
