Qatar hosts trilateral talks with Rwanda, DRC leaders to advance peace efforts

Rwandan President Paul Kagame (left) DRC President Félix Tshisekedi (right) during a meeting with Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in Qatar. 

Qatar hosted a trilateral meeting with leaders from Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in Doha on Tuesday, March 18, to discuss efforts to stabilise eastern DRC, where conflict persists.

Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani met with Rwandan President Paul Kagame and DRC President Félix Tshisekedi to review progress on the Luanda and Nairobi peace processes. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to an ="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/national/article/2001514023/belgium-expels-rwanda-diplomats-amid-deteriorating-relations">immediate and unconditional ceasefire< as agreed at the East African Community-Southern African Development Community summit in Dar es Salaam on February 8.

 "The discussions aimed to establish a solid foundation for lasting peace," said a statement from Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. "The leaders agreed to align and advance the Luanda-Nairobi process."

 Tshisekedi and Kagame, whose countries have traded accusations over supporting armed groups in eastern DRC, expressed appreciation to Qatar for facilitating the dialogue. "This engagement builds confidence in a shared commitment to regional stability," said Kagame.

 Tensions between Rwanda and the DRC have escalated in recent years, with Kinshasa accusing Kigali of backing the M23 rebel group, allegations Rwanda denies. Mediation efforts, including those led by the East African Community and African Union, have struggled to yield lasting results.

 Qatar, increasingly positioning itself as a mediator in African conflicts, pledged continued support for diplomatic solutions. The meeting concluded with an agreement to hold further talks to consolidate peace efforts in the region.