Congo and M23 rebels postpone talks in Doha; No rescheduled date yet
Last week, a source revealed that representatives from the Congolese government and the M23 rebels held a discreet meeting in Doha, marking the first such encounter in years.
Peace talks between the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo and the M23 rebels, scheduled for Wednesday in Doha, have been delayed, according to sources from both sides.
The meeting had been highly anticipated, being billed as the first direct talks since M23 fighters captured two of eastern Congo’s largest cities.
The ongoing conflict has caused thousands of deaths, displaced hundreds of thousands, and raised concerns of a broader regional war.
The reason behind the delay remains unclear.
According to Reuters, as of Monday, neither side had received official invitations for the meeting, which had been initially arranged to take place this week.
"It's simply a matter of organization," a Congolese official told reporters. The peace talks were expected to address the escalating tensions and potential solutions to the conflict.
The conflict, which has drawn in multiple regional players, is rooted in the aftermath of Rwanda's 1994 genocide and competition over mineral-rich areas.
Rwanda, which backs the M23, has denied providing support to the rebels, claiming its military's actions have been in self-defense.
The United Nations and Western governments, however, continue to accuse Rwanda of aiding the M23 rebels with weapons and troops.
Despite the delays, a recent meeting in Doha between Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame, brokered by Qatar, had called for a ceasefire between the two nations.
Meanwhile, the M23 rebels, largely led by ethnic Tutsi fighters, have long sought direct negotiations with the Congolese government.
President Tshisekedi had previously refused to negotiate directly with the rebels, instead accusing them of being a proxy force for Rwanda.
Last week, a source revealed that representatives from the Congolese government and the M23 rebels held a discreet meeting in Doha, marking the first such encounter in years.
This dialogue led to the rebels' decision to withdraw from the strategically important mining town of Walikale, a move welcomed by Washington.
The U.S. has urged both parties to ensure the area is cleared to allow the resumption of mining operations, which are vital for the region's economy.