Rwanda and DRC Presidents Call for Ceasefire as M23 Rebels Hold Key Territory

Talks mediated by Qatar yield a joint ceasefire appeal, but M23's response remains uncertain while conflict continues in eastern Congo.

Rwandan President Paul Kagame and DRC President Felix Tshisekedi issued a joint statement in Qatar calling for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire.
The M23 rebel group, reportedly backed by Rwanda, has captured major cities Goma and Bukavu, displacing over 700,000 people and causing over 7,000 deaths since January 2025.
M23 rebels withdrew from peace talks in Angola earlier this week, citing EU sanctions against their leaders and Rwandan officials as a key factor.
The conflict is deeply tied to the DRC's vast reserves of critical minerals, including cobalt and coltan, which are vital for global industries like electric vehicles.
International sanctions and fragmented peace efforts complicate the crisis, while the humanitarian toll includes widespread displacement, human rights abuses, and looting in conflict zones.