GOMA, DRC | XinhuaThe March 23 Movement (M23) rebel group has confirmed sending a delegation to Doha, Qatar, for negotiations with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) government.
At a press briefing in Goma, North Kivu’s provincial capital, currently under M23 control since January, the group’s political leader, Bertrand Bisimwa, stated that the two-member team’s mandate is strictly limited to discussing ceasefire arrangements and the release of prisoners.
Mediated by Qatar, the DRC–M23 dialogue resumed this week in Doha after earlier deadlines were missed, according to UN-backed broadcaster Radio Okapi.
Both sides had signed a Declaration of Principles on July 19 in Doha, setting Aug. 8–18 as the timeline for substantive peace talks. While the deadline expired, Qatar circulated a draft agreement last week in hopes of reviving progress.
Bisimwa admitted that “blockages” remain in the process but emphasized that once this stage is resolved, broader discussions could move forward. The M23 has consistently demanded the release of its detained members before engaging in wider peace negotiations.
The DRC government has yet to officially react to M23’s latest stance, but has maintained its commitment to dialogue while reaffirming its determination to defend national sovereignty and pursue lasting peace in the eastern region.
Meanwhile, both sides have accused each other of breaching the Doha ceasefire. Since January, fighting has intensified, with M23 capturing key towns including Goma and Bukavu, deepening the already severe humanitarian crisis.
The UN reports that 27.8 million people in the DRC face food insecurity, while over seven million remain internally displaced, many multiple times due to the conflict.
