Nearly three weeks after the AFC/M23 coalition captured the strategic cities of Goma (North Kivu) and Bukavu (South Kivu), representatives from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the armed group have launched formal negotiations in Doha, Qatar, under the mediation of Qatari officials.
This diplomatic breakthrough follows a high-level meeting on March 18, 2025, between DRC President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame, hosted by Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani. It marks a significant policy shift by Kinshasa, which had previously ruled out negotiations with AFC/M23, branding the group as a Rwandan proxy. Mounting international pressure and the deteriorating security situation have since prompted a reassessment.
According to Radio France Internationale (RFI), discreet discussions have been underway for the past four days, with both parties engaging indirectly via Qatari intermediaries. Though the details remain confidential, sources close to the process suggest that progress has been made on certain points, and a draft agreement is in preparation. It remains unclear if the document will be made public or formalized as a ceasefire.
However, deep divisions persist. The AFC/M23 demands that its issues with the DRC government be treated separately from the broader DRC-Rwanda conflict. Kinshasa, on the other hand, continues to accuse the group of advancing Rwandan geopolitical interests—an allegation that complicates dialogue efforts.
Central to the talks are confidence-building measures. The DRC is pressing for a full withdrawal of AFC/M23 forces from captured territories, especially Goma and Bukavu. The coalition has so far only agreed to vacate Walikale and areas near the border by the end of April, refusing a full retreat.
In return, AFC/M23 is demanding the lifting of death sentences against its leaders, the release of detained members in Kinshasa, and the withdrawal of East African Community (EAC) troops from North Kivu. These demands remain unresolved, adding friction to the negotiations.
A diplomat close to the talks noted that the outcome hinges on the successful implementation of trust-building steps. “The real test is whether both sides can turn promises into credible action,” the source told RFI.
The DRC is also advocating for a clause in the agreement that would encourage other armed groups to join disarmament and reintegration programs—a proposal that AFC/M23 has yet to publicly support.
Meanwhile, the humanitarian crisis continues to worsen. The takeover of Goma and Bukavu has displaced thousands and heightened instability in eastern DRC. Analysts warn that without meaningful progress in Doha, the conflict could spiral further out of control.
While the negotiations offer a glimmer of hope, achieving lasting peace will require overcoming deep-rooted mistrust, managing regional tensions, and addressing the dire needs of affected communities.
