On March 18, 2025, Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame met in Qatar, where they, along with Qatari mediators, issued a joint call for an “immediate and unconditional” ceasefire between the Congolese military and the M23 rebel group. The ceasefire plea comes as tensions between the two sides continue to escalate, but there is no confirmation that the M23 is willing to comply.
M23 has long been linked to Rwanda, with reports suggesting that the group receives support from Kagame’s government, although Kagame has repeatedly denied any direct involvement. If Rwanda is indeed backing M23, this ceasefire proposal could serve as a critical test of Kagame’s influence over the group. It also offers Kagame an opportunity to bolster his claim of non-involvement, should M23 reject the ceasefire despite his support for it.
The Fallout from M23’s Withdrawal from Angola Talks
Meanwhile, a previously scheduled meeting between Congolese and M23 representatives in Angola failed to take place. M23 announced on March 17 that it would withdraw from the talks after the European Union imposed sanctions on several of its senior officials, including leader Bertrand Bisimwa, as well as three Rwandan military officers and a civilian official. The sanctions are part of ongoing international efforts to curb the M23’s activities, which have fueled instability in the region.
A Complex Stalemate
The push for a ceasefire between Tshisekedi and Kagame represents a significant diplomatic step in the ongoing conflict, but its success depends heavily on M23’s willingness to comply. With both Rwanda’s involvement in the group’s activities and the broader regional dynamics at play, the outcome remains uncertain.
As of now, the key questions remain whether M23 will accept the ceasefire and how Rwanda will navigate its claims of non-involvement amidst international scrutiny.
References:
President Kagame meets with President Félix Tshisekedi Picture by Paul Kagame on Flickr
