The Emir of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, hosted a high-level trilateral meeting in Doha on Tuesday, bringing together the leaders of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in a bid to de-escalate tensions and restore stability in the conflict-ridden eastern DRC.
The meeting, attended by Rwandan President Paul Kagame and DRC President Félix Tshisekedi, reaffirmed the commitment of all parties to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, as previously agreed at the East African Community (EAC)-Southern African Development Community (SADC) summit in Dar es Salaam on February 8, 2025. The discussions built upon progress made in the Luanda and Nairobi peace processes, which have now been merged and aligned to establish a cohesive framework for lasting peace.
The trilateral dialogue underscores Qatar’s growing role as a diplomatic mediator in African conflicts, leveraging its influence to facilitate negotiations between parties locked in a prolonged geopolitical dispute. The presence of both Kagame and Tshisekedi at the meeting signals a willingness to engage in direct dialogue despite the ongoing hostilities between their respective nations.
The conflict in eastern DRC has long been fuelled by allegations that Rwanda supports armed rebel groups in the region, an accusation Kigali has consistently denied. The meeting in Doha comes amid increasing international pressure to find a durable resolution to the crisis, which has displaced millions and exacerbated regional instability.
Following the talks, Presidents Kagame and Tshisekedi expressed their appreciation for Qatar’s efforts, commending Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani for his hospitality and diplomatic engagement. They highlighted the meeting as a significant step toward building confidence in a shared commitment to regional stability.
However, the decision to hold talks in the Gulf nation has raised eyebrows among regional stakeholders, with some questioning the efficacy of African-led peace initiatives. A senior government official from the region, speaking on condition of anonymity, criticised the growing reliance on external mediation, stating:
“The trouble with Africa is that it never believes in ‘African solutions to African problems.’ Here, the turbulence in the Great Lakes Region appears to require an ‘Arab solution to African problems!’ Félix Tshisekedi would come to neither Dar es Salaam nor to Addis; he chose to either stay at home or go to Munich! Nor would the rebels go to Angola. Whereto SADC/EAC? Whereto Nairobi and Luanda process?”
The remarks reflect broader frustrations over the sidelining of African-led diplomatic efforts in favour of external interventions. While Doha’s mediation has been welcomed as a constructive step, questions remain over the future role of regional blocs such as the EAC, SADC, and the African Union in resolving conflicts within their own backyard.
With tensions between Kigali and Kinshasa remaining high, the success of these discussions will be closely watched by African and international stakeholders. The next phase of negotiations will continue under the Doha framework, with the hope that a solid foundation for peace can be established, paving the way for long-term reconciliation in the Great Lakes region.
