AFC/M23 Warns DRC: “No Escaping the Doha Peace Talks”

The AFC/M23 coalition has urged the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to fully commit to the ongoing peace talks in Doha, warning that they remain the only viable path to ending the protracted conflict in eastern Congo.

The negotiations, mediated by the Qatari government since March 2025, have struggled to produce tangible results, with several key issues still unresolved. After being suspended earlier this year, the talks resumed in July, leading to partial progress as both sides agreed on guiding principles toward a lasting peace.

Despite these advances, implementation has stalled. Fighting in North Kivu and surrounding areas continues, undermining expectations that hostilities would cease following initial commitments.

In a message published on X, the AFC/M23 referenced recent meetings between U.S. Presidential Advisor on Africa, Massad Boulos, and Presidents Félix Tshisekedi of the DRC and Paul Kagame of Rwanda. According to the group, discussions focused primarily on the U.S.-brokered peace initiative and the resumption of the Doha process.

“The Doha talks are not merely a platform for dialogue but a genuine path to peace,” the AFC/M23 statement read. “Both parties must build mutual trust, release political prisoners, halt hostilities, and fully adhere to the agreed principles.”

The group further stressed that, as the talks prepare to reconvene for a sixth time, Kinshasa must participate “with mutual respect and equality.”

“The government has previously attempted to avoid these discussions,” the statement continued. “But in Doha, there is no superior or subordinate side-both parties sit at the same table to discuss the same nation, the Democratic Republic of Congo.”

AFC/M23 also warned that the broader U.S.-supported peace framework, particularly regarding the management of Congo’s mineral resources, cannot move forward without meaningful progress in the Doha negotiations.