Hope as Rwanda, DRC presidents hold direct talks

African leaders have expressed optimism following talks between Democratic Republic of Congo President Felix Tshisekedi and his Rwandan counterpart Paul Kagame who held an informal meeting in Qatar on Tuesday. The meeting, which was mediated by the Emir of Qatar Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, was their first direct talks since the M23 rebels seized two major cities in eastern DRC.

The African Union urged all stakeholders on Wednesday to maintain the momentum generated in Doha and to work collectively toward the full implementation of agreed commitments. This followed a joint statement by Tshisekedi and Kagame expressing their support for a ceasefire.

"The African Union acknowledges the reaffirmation by both leaders of their commitment to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, as agreed during the East African Community and Southern African Development Community summit in Dar es Salaam on 8 February 2025," Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, the chairperson of the African Union Commission, said.

"The Doha discussions, held in a spirit of constructive engagement, align with these efforts and complement ongoing regional mechanisms. In this regard, we emphasize the importance of continued coordination between the African Union, regional economic communities, and international partners in fostering sustainable peace," he added.

After the meeting between the two leaders on Tuesday, Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the talks as a significant step toward stability in the region.

"The State of Qatar remains dedicated to facilitating dialogue and cooperation between all parties to ensure lasting peace in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the broader region," the ministry said in a statement.

"The discussions held in Doha reflect our collective determination to foster stability and security in the region. The Emir's invitation to the two leaders underscores Qatar's role as a neutral facilitator in addressing complex geopolitical challenges," the ministry added.

The talks between Tshisekedi and Kagame came as the DRC government was set to meet with M23 rebel leaders in Angola for ceasefire negotiations on Tuesday. However, the rebels pulled out unexpectedly after the European Union imposed sanctions on rebel leaders on Monday. The EU also sanctioned three Rwandan military commanders and the country's mining agency chief, citing support for the M23 rebel outfit.

The M23 rebels are fighting for control over territory in the eastern DRC, which is rich in precious minerals such as cobalt. The DRC government and the United States have previously accused Rwanda of backing the M23 rebels, an allegation that Kagame has denied on numerous occasions. The conflict in eastern DRC escalated in January when the M23 rebels advanced and seized the strategic city of Goma, followed by the city of Bukavu in February.