Both parties issued identical statements after the talks, which lasted over a week, expressing their intention to cease hostilities and reject hate speech or intimidation. They also called on local communities to honor these commitments. Despite the agreement offering a sliver of hope for de-escalation in a conflict with deep historical roots, delegates expressed dissatisfaction with the slow progress of the negotiations.

The discussions were described as “frank and constructive,” though it remains uncertain whether further talks will be held.

Since January, M23 has made significant territorial gains in eastern Congo, capturing major cities and escalating violence that has claimed thousands of lives. This new push for peace followed a recent meeting between the Congolese and Rwandan presidents, where both called for a ceasefire—an encounter that laid the groundwork for Congo’s direct engagement with M23, despite previously labeling the group as a terrorist organization.

Rwanda has consistently denied supporting M23, claiming its military actions are defensive, targeting both Congolese forces and Hutu militias tied to the 1994 genocide. Congo’s stance, supported by the UN and several Western nations, alleges that Rwanda is aiding the rebels by providing troops and weapons.

While the talks in Qatar showed some progress, they were also marred by disputes over trust-building steps, including the release of prisoners linked to Rwanda and M23. These issues nearly collapsed the discussions.

One Congolese official criticized the rebels’ demands, emphasizing that legal accountability must be upheld. Meanwhile, a representative of the rebel alliance said the impasse over these measures ultimately led to the delegations’ departure from Qatar.

Nevertheless, diplomats indicated that mediation efforts succeeded in getting both parties to issue a joint statement to continue efforts toward a truce.

A senior Belgian official welcomed the development as a key step toward halting the violence. However, fresh clashes were reported in Walikale territory, an area recently vacated by M23 in a symbolic move ahead of the talks.

Concerns over a broader regional war have grown, with troops from Uganda and Burundi also present in the area. Private talks were held last week, ahead of the planned April 9 discussions, and were seen as constructive. As a goodwill gesture, M23 was withdrawn from the mineral-rich town of Walikale.

Although M23 had promised to leave Walikale last month, they initially failed to do so, accusing the Congolese army of not upholding its own commitments. However, local officials and the army later confirmed M23’sthe town departure from.

The conflict has drawn international attention, with the United Nations and Western governments accusing Rwanda of supporting M23, a claim Rwanda denies, stating it is acting in self-defense against Congo’s army and a militia linked to the 1994 genocide.

M23 has controlled large parts of eastern Congo’s North and South Kivu provinces since 2021, including the capitals of Goma and Bukavu. The Qatari-mediated talks aim to find a peaceful resolution. M23’s withdrawal from Walikale marks a hopeful development, though the situation remains fragile, with the army and rebels still in conflict over strategic areas like Walikale, which holds valuable mineral resources.

However, as the dust settles, Goma is beginning to recover. Many businesses have cautiously reopened, and some essential local services are back in operation, providing residents with a glimmer of hope. Despite the trauma of the past week, there is a noticeable resilience among the population as they attempt to rebuild their daily lives.

The M23 rebellion, which has been advancing through eastern DRC, has sparked significant international concern. Both the DRC government and the global community accuse Rwanda of backing the M23 rebels, a claim that has escalated tensions in the region. These allegations have led to fears of broader instability, with neighbouring countries wary of the growing conflict.

In response to the ongoing tensions, the international community has pushed for the Luanda process, a diplomatic initiative aimed at easing the rift between the DRC and Rwanda. Despite the progress made in Goma, lasting peace in the region will require both local efforts and continued international engagement.