Reports indicate that Qatar has shown a strong commitment to resolving this war, which is why it has decided to listen to all parties involved. By inviting M23, Qatar seeks to understand the group's grievances, which have often been overlooked at the international level.
One of the major criticisms of previous peace efforts in eastern DRC has been the exclusion of M23 from negotiations, despite its direct involvement in the conflict.
Qatar extended this invitation shortly after, on March 18, the Emir of Qatar hosted a meeting between Rwandan President Paul Kagame and DRC President Félix Tshisekedi. The discussions focused on easing tensions between the two countries.
Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs later announced that Presidents Kagame, Tshisekedi, and Sheikh Tamim reaffirmed their commitment to cease hostilities in eastern DRC, following the resolutions made by African leaders.
The leaders also agreed to "continue the Doha-initiated talks to establish a solid foundation for lasting peace, in alignment with the ongoing Luanda and Nairobi discussions."
However, following these talks, the leader of AFC/M23 stated that their fighters would not recognize any resolutions from Kagame and Tshisekedi's discussions unless their demands were directly addressed.
Meanwhile, AFC/M23 recently declined to attend peace talks in Luanda, Angola, citing sanctions imposed by the European Union on some of its leaders.
These sanctions were initiated by Belgium's government at the request of President Tshisekedi. According to AFC/M23, these measures would only escalate the war in eastern DRC.
Speaking to Reuters on March 20, AFC/M23 leader Corneille Nangaa, accused the Congolese government of disregarding their demands, stating, "We have nothing left to lose. We will fight until our cause is understood."
Qatar has earned a strong reputation as a mediator in global conflicts, with extensive experience in facilitating peace negotiations worldwide.
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/qatar-invites-afc-m23-for-peace-talks-in-doha
