The Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group has stated it has not received an invitation to the peace talks with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), scheduled to begin in Doha on August 8.
M23 leader Bertrand Bisimwa confirmed on Thursday that no delegation from the group is currently in Qatar.
The talks, set to conclude on August 18, are part of a broader effort to end ongoing conflict in eastern Congo, which has claimed thousands of lives and displaced hundreds of thousands this year.
Despite a declaration of principles signed on July 19 between Congo and M23 – committing both sides to begin negotiations by August 8 – M23 leaders say Kinshasa has not fulfilled key conditions, including the release of detained rebel members.
A separate rebel commander, speaking anonymously, said the group would not participate until the Congolese government respects the agreement’s terms.
An official familiar with the situation acknowledged delays in prisoner releases but said both sides are working toward implementation. Negotiations are underway to establish a prisoner exchange mechanism involving the International Red Cross, though progress has been slower than expected.
Meanwhile, the U.S. government, under former President Donald Trump, has been mediating talks between Congo and Rwanda, aiming to stabilize the region and unlock Western investment in its rich mineral reserves – including tantalum, gold, cobalt, copper, and lithium.
M23 rebels seized Goma, eastern Congo’s largest city, in January, marking a significant territorial gain amid ongoing clashes with the Congolese army (FARDC).
Rwanda continues to deny direct support for M23, claiming its military actions are defensive responses to threats from Congolese forces and Hutu militias linked to the 1994 genocide.
