Qatar hosts summit aimed at easing tensions in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo

By Mohammad Sio

DOHA, Qatar (AA) - Qatar hosted a trilateral summit Tuesday in Doha aimed at calming unrest in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

The meeting brought together Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Rwandan President Paul Kagame and Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi.

According to Qatar News Agency, the three leaders “welcomed the progress made in the Luanda and Nairobi processes, as well as the joint EAC-SADC summit held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania on Feb. 8, 2025.”

They reaffirmed all parties’ commitment “to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire” as agreed at the summit.

They also agreed on the need to continue the discussions initiated in Doha “in order to establish solid foundations for lasting peace as envisioned in the Luanda/Nairobi process, now merged and/or aligned.”

Kagame and Tshisekedi expressed gratitude to Qatar and Sheikh Tamim for their hospitality and for organizing the productive talks, which helped build confidence in a shared commitment to a secure and stable future for Congo and the region.

Congo and Western countries accuse neighboring Rwanda of backing the M23 rebels, also known as the Congolese Revolutionary Army. Rwanda has denied the allegation.

The rebel group has intensified its offensive in eastern Congo since December, capturing the provincial capitals of Goma and Bukavu.

Peace talks between the Congolese government and the M23 brokered by Angolan President Joao Lourenco, the African Union peace mediator for the conflict in Congo, were due to take place on Tuesday in Angola.

The Congolese government has said that at least 7,000 people have been killed in the fighting since January.