Congo and the M23 rebels are set to have their first straight talks on April 9

Direct discussions between the Congo government and the M23 rebels, who are supported by Rwanda, are scheduled for April 9, according to sources from both sides on Tuesday. This could help Qatar’s efforts to put a stop to the worst violence the Central African nation has seen in decades.

Since M23 forces took control of the two biggest cities in eastern Congo in a swift attack that has killed thousands and displaced hundreds of thousands more, the meeting in Doha would mark the first direct talks between the two parties.

Talks were set on April 9 “unless the other side misbehaves,” according to one Congolese official. The date was verified by an M23 source, who also stated that the organization would deliver its demands to Kinshasa. According to the sources, both parties have decided not to divulge the specifics of the discussions in public.

On March 18, President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Paul Kagame of Rwanda met unexpectedly in Doha.

Qatar met separately with M23 delegates and hosted a second round of discussions between the two nations starting Friday. According to accounts, M23 and Congolese officials have not yet met.

Rwanda claims its military has been defending itself from Congo’s army and anti-Kigali rebels, and it denies backing M23.

Rooted in regional rivalry for mineral resources and the aftermath of Rwanda’s 1994 genocide, the conflict has raged along Congo’s eastern border with Rwanda and Uganda.

Tshisekedi had previously rejected M23’s long-standing desire for direct talks with Kinshasa, claiming that M23 was only a front for Rwanda. In the face of growing battlefield losses, he changed his mind last month and consented to send a delegation to the capital of Angola, Luanda.

Following M23’s withdrawal due to European Union sanctions, the negotiations were abruptly canceled.