The draft, introduced after months of mediation in Doha, was intended to build momentum toward ending the years-long conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. But according to an AFC/M23 representative who spoke to Reuters, the proposal is 'not recent and has not been updated for over a month."
The source further indicated that the proposal 'takes more into account Kinshasa's expectations' than the rebels' own positions.
The talks, mediated by Qatar with backing from Washington and African leaders, have seen limited visible progress.
Some delegates from both camps have reportedly left Doha for consultations with their leadership, further casting doubt on the immediate trajectory of the process.
While one source briefed on the negotiations suggested the discussions had entered a 'deeper phase,' with both parties engaging on the root causes of the conflict, voices within the AFC/M23 delegation remain sceptical.
Qatar moved to mediate the conflict between the rebels and President Félix Tshisekedi's administration following the capture of large swathes of eastern DRC, including the cities of Bukavu and Goma.
The conflict has been ongoing for years. The rebels accuse the Congolese administration of poor governance, persecution, and the marginalisation of Kinyarwanda-speaking communities in the east.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/afc-m23-dissatisfied-with-qatar-s-draft-peace-proposal
