Description: Sources from both M23 rebel forces and the Congolese government stated that initial peace negotiations were scheduled to begin on 09 Apr. Further details regarding the meeting indicated the talks would be held in Doha, as Qatar has played a crucial mediating role in defusing tensions between the two sides and bringing them to the negotiating table. The negotiations come on the precipice of the meet between presidents Felix Tshisekedi of Congo and Paul Kagame of Rwanda in Doha on 18 Mar. Both presidents lobbied for the peace initiative after several attempts for negotiations faltered and the M23 rebels have backed down of the talks since the EU reimposed sanctions.
Impact: The resurgence in diplomatic will to reestablish negotiations persists between the conflicting sides, however recent developments have shown the peace negotiations were still in somewhat in uncharted territory. The agreement eluded both sides, as Congolese President Tshisekedi repeatedly refused to negotiate with M23 citing they were just a front for Rwanda, while M23 have sabotaged the negotiations over the reimposition of EU sanctions. Qatar’s involvement as a mediator raises the country’s regional profile politically and could indicate on ulterior interests in DRC’s mineral reserves which have most recently been in Chinese and US crosshairs. The negotiations would only envisage an initial stage as tensions and international interest in the conflict continues to persist.