IN a historic and unprecedented move, President Paul Kagame of Rwanda and President Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) met in Doha, Qatar, on March 18, 2025. This groundbreaking encounter, facilitated by the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, marked the first direct talks between the two leaders since the escalation of the conflict in eastern DRC earlier this year.
The meeting was part of broader efforts to address the ongoing crisis in the region, which has been exacerbated by the activities of the M23 rebels. The M23, allegedly backed by Rwanda, has captured key cities such as Goma and Bukavu, leading to significant humanitarian challenges and displacement of millions of people. The conflict is deeply rooted in historical tensions stemming from the 1994 Rwandan genocide and competition for mineral resources.
During their discussions, Presidents Kagame and Tshisekedi reaffirmed their commitment to achieving an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, as agreed upon at a recent summit in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. They acknowledged the progress made through the Luanda and Nairobi peace processes, which have been merged and aligned to foster a more cohesive approach to resolving the conflict.
The Luanda process, an African Union-backed initiative, has been instrumental in bringing officials from both countries to the negotiating table despite ongoing tensions. It has focused on confidence-building measures and addressing the presence of the FDLR, a militia linked to the 1994 genocide, which has been supported by successive Congolese governments.
Both leaders expressed gratitude to Qatar for hosting the meeting, which helped build confidence in their shared commitment to a secure and stable future for the DRC and the region. They agreed to continue discussions initiated in Doha to establish solid foundations for lasting peace, aligning with the objectives of the Luanda/Nairobi process.
This meeting marks a significant step towards peace in a region plagued by decades of conflict. However, challenges persist, including the withdrawal of the M23 rebels from peace talks in Angola due to European sanctions, which they claim undermine direct dialogue. Despite these hurdles, the commitment to further dialogue between Rwanda and the DRC offers a glimmer of hope for resolving one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises.
During the historic meeting between President Paul Kagame of Rwanda and President Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in Doha, Qatar, other key points were discussed include:
- Rwanda emphasised the need to address the presence of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a militia linked to the 1994 genocide, which poses a security threat to Rwanda. The DRC, on the other hand, has accused Rwanda of backing the M23 rebels, which Rwanda denies.
- Support for Peace Processes: The meeting was framed as a reaffirmation of support for the joint East African Community-SADC (EAC-SADC) peace process. This indicates a commitment to regional initiatives aimed at resolving the conflict.
- Role of Qatar: Qatar played a significant role in facilitating the talks, leveraging its economic ties with both countries to bring the leaders to the negotiating table. The meeting was seen as a diplomatic breakthrough, with both sides expressing gratitude to Qatar for hosting the discussions.
FULL STATEMENT
“As part of efforts to ease the situation in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, the State of Qatar hosted a trilateral meeting in Doha on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, attended by His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar; His Excellency President Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda; and His Excellency President Félix Tshisekedi Tshilombo, President of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The Heads of State 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 February 8, 2025. The Heads of State reaffirmed the commitment of all parties to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire as agreed at the said summit. The Heads of State then 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.
His Excellency President Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda, and His Excellency President Félix Tshisekedi Tshilombo, President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, thanked the State of Qatar and His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar, for their hospitality and for organizing this fruitful meeting, which helped build confidence in a shared commitment to a secure and stable future for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the region”.
