Kinshasa does not sign the Doha peace agreement
The Congolese government and the AFC/M23 movement were scheduled to convene in Doha, Qatar, on Tuesday, November 11, to further the ongoing peace negotiations, with reports indicating that a long-anticipated peace deal would be finalized.
Nevertheless, the rebels stated that the government delegation was absent from the Qatari capital, where the peace talks have been taking place since April. The Doha talks finalize the Washington Peace Agreement that was signed in June between Rwanda and DR Congo.
Media reports indicated that the proposed agreement from Tuesday may not represent the final peace deal between Kinshasa and the AFC/M23. However, the document is set to be presented in Washington, where the Presidents of Rwanda and DR Congo are anticipated to convene in the future to discuss regional security and economic matters with US President Donald Trump.
Bertrand Bisimwa, the deputy political coordinator of AFC/M23, who attended the anticipated round of talks in Doha, shared his disappointment in a post on X.
“At this very moment in Doha, we are becoming increasingly impatient as we await the arrival of the delegation from Kinshasa. This regime exhibits a dual stance,” Bisimwa wrote, in response to a post stating that the government coalition had conducted drone attacks on Monday night.
“While the government promotes a narrative of peace through the media, its actions on the ground reveal a pattern of aggression and criminal behavior that erodes any prospects for tranquility.”
Bisimwa referenced a statement from the spokesperson of the rebel movement, Lawrence Kanyuka, who condemned the ongoing attacks by the Congolese government on the same day, despite the ongoing negotiations in Doha.
Kanyuka has previously alleged that the government coalition targeted densely populated areas while the two parties were engaged in peace negotiations in the Gulf country.
“These attacks, which blatantly disregard ceasefire commitments, once again struck civilian populations during the night of Monday to Tuesday, 11 November 2025, this time in Luki, in the territory of Masisi,” Kanyuka stated.
“In light of the increasing violence and the crimes committed against innocent individuals, the AFC/M23 is not merely satisfied with condemning these ongoing violations.” Our Organization reaffirms its unwavering dedication to safeguarding and defending civilians, who are shamefully targeted by the forces in Kinshasa.
Monitoring the ceasefire
Tuesday discussions aimed to reinvigorate momentum regarding the halted ceasefire monitoring mechanism, which has not succeeded in making significant advancements on the ground in eastern DR Congo.
In October, a mechanism was established to create an environment favorable for meaningful negotiations focused on addressing the underlying drivers of conflict in eastern DR Congo. The measures adopted are intended to set the stage for substantive discussions that confront the root causes of the ongoing violence.
This method is in accordance with the principles set forth in the agreements signed by both parties on July 19.
Both parties committed to enhancing the ceasefire process by signing a monitoring agreement on October 14, after the sixth round of Doha-mediated talks.
The agreement required the formation of a joint team to oversee and confirm the ceasefire within a seven-day period, by October 21. Nevertheless, this essential step has yet to be put into action.
Conversely, President Felix Tshisekedi had earlier declared on November 3 that a peace agreement might be finalized as soon as the start of this month. However, the rebels have consistently warned that ongoing ceasefire violations by Kinshasa, along with the lack of a definitive framework for dialogue, hinder progress toward a lasting agreement.
The Qatar-mediated peace talks stand as the central hope for addressing the crisis in eastern DR Congo, yet ongoing hostilities underscore the delicate and unpredictable nature of the peace process.
