Qatar Presents Draft Peace Proposal to Congo, M23 Rebels

Qatar has presented a draft peace proposal to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group following months of mediation in Doha, marking a significant step in resolving the long-standing conflict rooted in the Rwandan genocide. Both parties have been asked to consult their leaders before resuming negotiations, which have recently entered a deeper phase with engagement on core conflict issues. The conflict escalated this year as M23 seized major cities in eastern Congo, a mineral-rich region plagued by violence for three decades. The peace talks are supported by African leaders, the United States, and the African Union, with Washington playing a key role in encouraging a peace deal and promoting regional investment opportunities. Despite these efforts and a March ceasefire agreement between Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame, progress has been slow, with multiple cease-fires since 2021 being violated. Rwanda denies military support for M23 but cites security threats from armed groups in eastern Congo, complicating the peace process.