The representatives of the AFC/M23 coalition, which is fighting against the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo, have traveled to Doha, Qatar.
Among the representatives are the coalition’s vice president, Bertrand Bisimwa, as well as Colonel Nzenze Imani John, head of intelligence and military operations.
According to the “Jeune Afrique” newspaper, the State of Qatar has hosted several delegations starting from March 27, 2025, including the one led by Bisimwa, president of the M23 movement group, as well as delegations from Rwanda and the DRC.
The media outlet specified that sources have not confirmed whether discussions took place between the AFC/M23 representatives and those of the Congolese government, nor whether such negotiations are being considered.
On March 18, the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, gathered Presidents Paul Kagame and Félix Tshisekedi in Doha to discuss security and political tensions affecting the region.
The leaders expressed their support for the decisions made by the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), which include halting combat and provocations between the conflicting parties in eastern DRC, as well as committing to a political dialogue.
When the AFC/M23 announced on March 22 its decision to withdraw its fighters from the town of Walikale and surrounding areas, the Qatari government welcomed this initiative, calling it a positive step toward peace.
The AFC/M23 representatives traveled to Doha following the failure of their meeting with DRC delegates in Angola, which came after the European Union (EU) imposed sanctions on March 17 against coalition leaders, including Bisimwa and Colonel Nzenze.
For its part, Angola announced on March 24, 2025, that it would withdraw from mediation efforts regarding insecurity in eastern DRC, stating that it would now focus on its responsibilities within the African Union (AU).
