Fresh negotiations between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the M23 rebel movement have opened in Doha, as mediators push for a breakthrough in efforts to end years of conflict in eastern Congo.
A Qatari official confirmed on Sunday that a draft peace agreement has been shared with both Kinshasa and the Rwanda-backed rebels.
“We recognise the challenges on the ground and hope they can be overcome promptly through dialogue and genuine commitment,” the official said.
The talks come after the two sides missed an August 18 deadline, set under a roadmap signed in Doha on July 19, which called for negotiations to begin by August 8 and a final peace deal by Monday.
Despite the delay, both parties have expressed readiness to continue dialogue, the mediator added.
The conflict escalated sharply after the M23 resurfaced in late 2021, capturing swathes of territory in North and South Kivu with alleged support from Rwanda.
Earlier this year, the group seized the strategic cities of Goma and Bukavu, establishing parallel administrations and deepening the humanitarian crisis.
Violence has intensified in recent weeks around Mulamba, where the frontline had been relatively calm since March.
The Congolese army on Tuesday accused the rebels of launching “multiple attacks” on its positions, putting further strain on the fragile ceasefire.
According to the United Nations, more than two million people have been displaced by the fighting since January.
Qatar’s mediation team says the current session in Doha is focused on following up on the July Declaration of Principles and finalising a peace agreement.
Neither Kinshasa nor the M23 have yet commented publicly on the renewed talks.
