DR Congo, M23 Rebels Miss Peace Deal Deadline in Doha

Missed August 18 deadline sparks fears of renewed fighting in eastern DRC despite Qatari-led mediation
Peace talks between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) government and the M23 rebel group failed to produce a final agreement by Monday’s self-imposed deadline, raising fears that fragile progress toward ending hostilities in the eastern region could unravel.
The two sides had previously committed to a ceasefire and a roadmap for peace in a joint declaration signed in July under Qatari mediation. Negotiators had hoped to reach a comprehensive deal by August 18, but officials confirmed late Monday that no final accord was signed in Doha.
Qatari officials said a draft agreement had been shared with both parties, but no consensus was reached. “We remain hopeful that both parties will continue to engage in good faith,” one official told reporters on condition of anonymity.
The breakdown in talks comes amid rising violence in eastern DRC, where Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have seized key territories since January, including areas near the provincial capital, Goma. Despite international pressure and multiple rounds of negotiations, both sides remain deeply divided on issues including disarmament, amnesty, and territorial control.
The M23, a Tutsi led insurgency group, re-emerged in late 2021 after nearly a decade of dormancy. Backed by Rwanda, according to multiple UN reports, the group has been accused of committing atrocities against civilians and targeting Congolese forces. Rwanda denies providing direct support.
Fighting intensified earlier this year as the rebels pushed deeper into North Kivu province. In July, the DRC government and M23 signed a declaration of principles, mediated by Qatar, which called for an immediate ceasefire and a phased peace process.
While skirmishes subsided briefly following the declaration, Human Rights Watch and UN monitors have reported ongoing violations, including killings and forced displacements in areas under M23 control.
Civic groups and international observers expressed disappointment over the stalled talks. “Every day without an agreement risks more civilian lives,” said Nelly Katongwe, a civil society leader in Goma. “The people of eastern Congo cannot afford more broken promises.”
U.S. and African Union envoys monitoring the negotiations have urged both parties to return to the table and avoid any actions that could escalate tensions on the ground.
Outlook:Analysts say the failure to meet the deadline puts added pressure on regional actors, including Rwanda and Uganda, who have influence over the conflict. With fighting still active in some zones and over one million people displaced, the stakes remain high.
Qatar’s mediation team has reportedly proposed extending the dialogue beyond August, but no new date for talks has been confirmed.