Tue Mar 18 21:30:04 UTC 2025: ## DRC, Rwanda, and Qatar Call for Immediate Ceasefire in Eastern Congo
**Doha/Kinshasa** – In a significant development, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Rwanda, and Qatar have jointly called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in eastern DRC, where fighting between Congolese forces and the M23 rebel group has intensified. The unprecedented announcement follows direct talks between DRC President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame, mediated by the Emir of Qatar in Doha.
The joint statement emphasized the need for an immediate end to hostilities and pledged to continue discussions to build lasting peace in the region. The talks mark the first direct engagement between the two presidents since the M23 rebels, accused by the DRC of receiving Rwandan support, seized several major cities in eastern Congo. Rwanda continues to deny these accusations.
The breakthrough comes amidst escalating tensions. Recent EU sanctions targeting M23 leaders and Rwandan officials linked to the group prompted the M23 to withdraw from planned peace talks in Angola, citing the sanctions as undermining dialogue. The sanctions highlight the international community’s concern over the conflict, which has displaced over 7 million people and created a major humanitarian crisis. UN experts estimate that the M23 rebels are supported by approximately 4,000 Rwandan troops.
While the joint call for a ceasefire offers a glimmer of hope, the path to lasting peace remains uncertain. The ongoing conflict in mineral-rich eastern DRC, involving numerous armed groups, presents a complex challenge requiring sustained international engagement and commitment from all parties.
First Piper 