By In a significant diplomatic breakthrough, Rwandan President Paul Kagame and Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi met in Doha on Tuesday, marking their first direct talks in months amid escalating tensions in eastern DR Congo. The meeting, mediated by Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, signals a potential shift in the long-standing conflict that has plagued the Great Lakes region.
The high-level discussions, held at Lusail Palace, come after years of open hostility between Kigali and Kinshasa. Tshisekedi has repeatedly accused Rwanda of backing the M23 rebel group, which has seized strategic territories in North Kivu province. Kagame, however, denies the allegations and instead points to the presence of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR)—a militia with ties to the perpetrators of the 1994 Rwandan genocide—as a persistent security threat to Rwanda.
Why Did Qatar Succeed Where Others Failed?
Previous mediation efforts led by regional leaders, including Angola’s President João Lourenço, failed to bring Kagame and Tshisekedi to the negotiation table. However, Qatar’s intervention appears to have changed the equation.
Kagame’s office framed the meeting as a reaffirmation of support for the joint East African Community-SADC (EAC-SADC) peace process. Meanwhile, Qatar’s Foreign Ministry hailed the discussions as an important step toward regional stability. While no immediate resolutions were announced, the meeting reflects shifting political calculations from both sides.
Tshisekedi’s willingness to engage is particularly notable given his previous characterization of Kagame as comparable to Adolf Hitler. His administration had largely dismissed earlier mediation efforts, instead favoring diplomatic isolation of Rwanda and pushing for international sanctions. However, the continued expansion of M23-controlled territory may have prompted a reassessment of this approach.
For Rwanda, the stakes have also risen. Increasing international pressure—particularly from the United States and the European Union—has resulted in sanctions, suspended military aid, and diplomatic isolation over allegations of supporting M23. Yet, these punitive measures have done little to alter Rwanda’s position, as M23 remains a dominant force in the ongoing conflict.
Qatar’s Growing Influence in the Region
Unlike Western nations that have primarily focused on punitive measures, Qatar has opted for active diplomatic engagement, underpinned by economic interests. The Gulf nation has made significant investments in Rwanda, including a 49% stake in RwandAir and a 60% controlling share in the $2 billion Bugesera Airport project.
At the same time, Qatar has been expanding its footprint in DR Congo, pledging support for infrastructure projects such as the renovation of Kinshasa’s N’djili and N’Dolo airports, as well as Lubumbashi’s Luano Airport. Moreover, it has expressed interest in the construction of a deep-sea port at Banana, a venture currently led by UAE-based DP World.
Given these economic stakes, Qatar’s diplomatic maneuvering appears to be aimed at preserving stability in a region where it has growing investments. By brokering direct talks between Kagame and Tshisekedi, Qatar has positioned itself as a key player in resolving a crisis that has defied multiple regional and international mediation attempts.
Will the Doha Talks Lead to Lasting Peace?
While the meeting marks a significant diplomatic step, concrete progress remains elusive. Fighting continues in eastern DR Congo, and M23 has yet to commit to any major concessions. The Congolese government maintains that Rwanda must withdraw its alleged support for the rebels, while Kigali insists that regional security concerns—particularly the presence of FDLR—must be addressed.
Nonetheless, the willingness of Kagame and Tshisekedi to engage in dialogue after months of heightened tensions indicates a shifting geopolitical landscape. The failure of previous mediation efforts, ongoing military deadlocks, and economic considerations may have contributed to bringing both leaders to the table.
For now, Qatar has managed to achieve what others could not: breaking the ice. Whether this diplomatic breakthrough will translate into lasting peace remains to be seen, but the momentum from Doha may offer a rare opportunity for a more sustained engagement in the region’s complex conflict.
