The March 23 Movement (M23) rebels have withdrawn their delegation from ongoing peace talks in Doha, Qatar, casting uncertainty over the fragile truce in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The talks, which began in April under the mediation of Qatar’s President Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, initially offered hope for a peaceful resolution to the escalating conflict. Both parties had agreed to a set of recommendations, including an immediate and effective ceasefire, rejection of hate speech and intimidation, and a commitment to address the root causes of the crisis.
The agreement also called on Congolese religious leaders and media to promote messages of peace and hope. As a confidence-building measure, M23 was asked to vacate occupied territories. In response, the rebel group withdrew from Walikale town and surrounding areas in early April.
As part of the negotiations, the M23 delegation submitted a list of 700 detainees allegedly imprisoned for suspected links to the movement, requesting their release. However, the DRC government released only five individuals—none of whom appeared on the submitted list.
This week, the rebels abruptly pulled their delegation—led by Executive Secretary Benjamin Mbonimpa and Intelligence Chief Colonel John Imani Nzenze—from the talks. The decision followed what the rebels described as persistent deadlock and lack of political will from the Kinshasa government.
Speaking to the media on Friday, M23 political spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka confirmed the withdrawal, accusing the DRC government of failing to honor its commitments and continuing military operations against rebel positions and civilian-populated areas in North and South Kivu.
Kanyuka further alleged that the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC), along with coalition forces, had intensified attacks on the Banyamulenge community in South Kivu, despite the ceasefire agreement.
The DRC government has yet to issue a formal statement in response to the rebels’ claims or the delegation’s withdrawal.
It remains unclear whether the collapse of talks will trigger a full resumption of hostilities. M23 currently controls significant territory in the eastern DRC, including key strategic locations such as Goma and Bukavu cities, Goma International Airport, and Kavumu Airport.
