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The discussions, which began last week and are scheduled to continue on April 9, aim to end hostilities that have resulted in thousands of deaths and displaced hundreds of thousands in eastern DRC
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) government and M23 rebels have commenced private peace negotiations in Doha, Qatar, marking the first direct talks since the conflict intensified earlier this year. The discussions, which began last week and are scheduled to continue on April 9, aim to end hostilities that have resulted in thousands of deaths and displaced hundreds of thousands in eastern DRC.
A source familiar with the talks described the initial meetings as positive, leading to the rebels’ withdrawal from Walikale, a strategic mineral-rich town, as a gesture of goodwill. The source noted that this development offers hope for a halt to the ongoing conflict.
The conflict has raised concerns about regional stability, with neighboring countries like Uganda and Burundi deploying troops in the area. Both the United Nations and Western governments have accused Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebels, allegations Rwanda denies, stating its military actions are in self-defense against hostile forces.