Qatar, the United States and African partners report cautious progress in easing tensions between DR Congo and Rwanda, highlighting Doha’s key mediation role.

A joint statement by Qatar, the United States and African partners pointed to cautious progress in efforts to ease tensions between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda, while highlighting Doha’s role as a key mediator.

The statement followed the fifth meeting of the Joint Oversight Committee on April 23, where officials reviewed implementation of the peace agreement signed in June 2025.

The deal aims to reduce hostilities between the two countries and prevent further escalation in eastern Congo, a region long marked by recurring violence.

Doha track remains key

During the meeting, both sides presented updates on steps taken to de-escalate tensions and improve conditions on the ground, following earlier talks held on March 17–18 in Washington.

Qatar briefed partners on its ongoing role in facilitating talks between the Congolese government and the armed group AFC/M23, describing the process as a central component of the wider agreement.

The Doha talks build on a declaration of principles signed in July 2025, in which both sides committed to a ceasefire and advancing negotiations to end the conflict.

The declaration followed a separate peace deal between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda, signed in June 2025, that formed a two-track approach to address both state-level tensions and armed group dynamics.

Humanitarian impact and regional stakes

The M23 group, which re-emerged in 2022, has been at the centre of the latest escalation. Its advances triggered a major humanitarian crisis, displacing millions and raising concerns about a wider regional confrontation.

According to UN figures, the number of internally displaced people reached around 7.8 million by late 2024. That figure has since fallen to approximately 5.8 million in 2026, as some displaced communities began returning to their homes.

The committee also highlighted the role of international and regional partners, including the African Union and Togo, in supporting implementation of the agreement and maintaining coordination between the parties.

In the statement, both the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda expressed appreciation for the continued support provided by Qatar, the United States and regional partners, as efforts to restore stability in the Great Lakes region continue.