Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame met in Doha, Qatar, to address the escalating crisis in eastern DRC. The high-level meeting, organized by the State of Qatar, was attended by His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, along with both African leaders.

During the discussions, Tshisekedi and Kagame reaffirmed their commitment to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in eastern DRC—a decision that echoes the outcomes of the joint EAC-SADC summit held in Dar es Salaam on February 8, 2025. The leaders also stressed the importance of continuing the talks initiated in Doha to lay a solid foundation for lasting peace in the region.

The meeting comes as the conflict in eastern DRC intensifies, with the resurgent M23 rebel group seizing key territories, including the strategic cities of Goma and Bukavu. While the DRC accuses Rwanda of supporting the rebels, Rwanda maintains that its forces are acting solely in self-defense against hostile militias.

Adding to the regional tension, the European Union has recently imposed sanctions on senior Rwandan military officials and top M23 leaders, a move that has led to the withdrawal of the rebels from planned peace talks in Angola. Diplomatic relations have also deteriorated between Rwanda and Belgium, with both countries expelling each other’s diplomats.

The Doha meeting, which highlighted progress in the Luanda and Nairobi processes, brings a glimmer of hope for resolving the crisis in eastern DRC. With thousands displaced and local communities suffering, the continued dialogue between Tshisekedi and Kagame could prove crucial in steering the region toward stability.