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18h ago

Doha Peace Effort Falters After Deadline Missed as M23 Withdraws From Talks

Rebel leaders say prisoner releases must come first, underscoring weak enforcement that has left fighting unchanged.

An M23 rebel walks on the outskirts of Matanda which is controlled by M23 rebels, in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, March 22, 2025. REUTERS/Zohra Bensemra/File Photo

Overview

  • Congo and the M23 missed the 8–18 August timetable set by the 19 July Doha Declaration to open negotiations and conclude a deal.
  • The AFC‑M23 says it will only resume once ceasefire measures are implemented, including prisoner releases, and it skipped the latest round.
  • Kinshasa says releases are a negotiable issue rather than a precondition and acknowledges a Qatari draft agreement is under review.
  • Qatar says the agreed schedule slipped but both sides indicated willingness to continue discussions in Doha.
  • Analysts describe continued clashes without a credible deterrent or verification mechanism, and reports of a Congolese military buildup are further eroding trust in the process.