DRC : a truce announced between Kinshasa and the M23 under Qatari mediation, but fighting continues in the east

SOS Médias Burundi

Despite a joint declaration announcing a truce between the Congolese government and the M23 under the auspices of Qatar, armed clashes continue in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Between diplomatic uncertainties and realities on the ground, civilians are still paying the highest price.

Goma, April 23, 2025 – The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the M23 rebel movement announced a truce on April 23, following talks facilitated by Qatar. Both parties committed to an immediate ceasefire and constructive dialogue to resolve the root causes of the conflict. But on the ground, fighting continues, and the agreement is struggling to materialize.

Recent chronology of the conflict
March 18, 2025 : Meeting in Doha between Félix Tshisekedi and Paul Kagame. The two heads of state agree to an immediate ceasefire.
April 2025 : Clashes continue in the east, particularly around Walikale.
April 23, 2025 : Kinshasa and the M23 announce a truce mediated by Qatar. There are no concrete signs of de-escalation on the ground.

In a joint statement, parties condemned hate speech, called for calm, and welcomed Qatari efforts. However, Kinshasa has not publicly confirmed this announcement. President Félix Tshisekedi, who still describes the M23 as a terrorist group, remains silent.

Negotiations were recently suspended, notably due to a deadlock over the release of prisoners close to the M23. Kinshasa cites the independence of its judicial system and the seriousness of the accusations.

Meanwhile, the M23 continues to expand its control in the provinces of North and South Kivu, rich in strategic mineral resources. Kinshasa accuses Kigali of supporting the rebels. Rwanda denies this and claims it is responding to a threat from the Hutu genocidal FDLR (Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda), present within Congolese forces.

The international community is monitoring the situation closely. In February, the Trump administration asked Rwanda to withdraw its troops and missiles from the DRC. The UN, through António Guterres, is calling for restraint. But in the hills of eastern Congo, the reality is quite different: the war continues, and the population remains trapped.