Rwanda Uses M23 and Doha Talks to Stall for Washington Signature

Rwanda Uses M23 and Doha Talks to Stall for Washington Signature

Despite the fanfare surrounding the fraught peace efforts in eastern DR Congo, troubling patterns are emerging: Rwanda appears to be using the M23 insurgency and Doha peace talks as stalling strategies until a final agreement—with President Kagame and President Tshisekedi in Washington—can be unveiled.

Washington Truce vs Realities on the Ground

On 27 June 2025, under U.S. mediation, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda signed a framework peace accord in Washington aiming to end decades of conflict. It pledges Rwanda’s troop withdrawal within 90 days, a clampdown on support for armed proxies like M23, and the neutralisation of the FDLR (the Hutu militia responsible for the 1994 genocide).

Yet, M23—absent from that Washington deal—continues to exert military pressure on eastern DRC. It holds key territories, including Goma, and remains active despite repeated accords and declarations. Analysts argue that this coup-de-grâce timing is not accidental: Kigali prospers while the region stays unstable.

Doha Negotiations as Tactical Delay

Since mid‑2025, Qatar has hosted negotiations between the DRC and M23, culminating in a “Declaration of Principles” in July, pledging ceasefire and prisoner exchanges. Still, Doha’s talks have repeatedly stalled over conditions like the release of detainees and coordination of security mechanisms. Reports note that M23 was left out of the Washington deal, raising concerns that Doha serves to keep the rebellion relevant while postponing realisation of the Washington commitments.

M23: Rwanda’s Proxy and Territorial Lever

The M23, widely seen as a Rwandan proxy, continues offensives and mass atrocities. Human Rights Watch reports at least 140 civilian killings, mostly targeting ethnic Hutu near Virunga, with possible death tolls exceeding 300 from various atrocities in July. These actions contradict the purported peace, undermining any façade of stability.

Meanwhile, UN Security Council Resolution 2773, passed in February 2025, explicitly demanded M23 halt offensives and for Rwanda to withdraw backing and troops from DRC. Yet months on, M23 operations persist, reinforcing the belief that Rwanda is in no hurry to fully disengage.

Kigali’s Hidden Strategy: Balkanisation by Proxy

Observers argue that Rwanda is intentionally leveraging M23 to facilitate a subtle territorial fragmentation of the DRC. By maintaining chaos in key mineral-rich provinces and portraying itself as a reluctant mediator in a peace process, Kigali retains infl uence and economic access without overt governance responsibilities. This shadow sphere of control aligns with long-standing accusations of neo-colonial resource exploitation and territorial entrenchment.

Humanitarian Toll: Civilians Still Suffering

While the well-heeled world negotiates, millions of Congolese continue to bear the brunt. The U.N. reports that over seven million are internally displaced, creating one of the world's most acute humanitarian crises.

Meanwhile, in contested territories, civilians suffer mass violence, sexual abuse, and displacement. After the heinous July killings, Human Rights Watch has urged international investigations and sanctions. The failure to advanced peace and security is not an administrative lapse—it is a human catastrophe.

What This Means Ahead of Washington

The Doha process buys Rwanda time: as long as M23 remains active, the provisions signed in Washington—such as troop withdrawal and the neutralisation of proxies—remain theoretical. Kagame’s government may thus manoeuvre the timetable until a final signature authorises an “official” transition that leaves de facto control unchanged.

Any forthcoming Washington-stage event risks being a diplomatic mirage unless accompanied by verifiable troop withdrawals, disarmament, and tangible protection for civilians. Otherwise, the agreement merely realigns negotiations around Rwanda’s timeline.

Conclusion: Peace or Pretext?

Rather than a breakthrough, the current discourse reads like diplomatic theatre. Rwanda’s use of M23 and Doha negotiations delays real peace while entrenching its interests, especially when no mechanism enforces its own disengagement.

A lasting resolution requires real accountability—not just wallpapered accords—and timely implementation of withdrawals and demilitarisation. Until then, Washington’s peace deal may appear historic—but remains hollow.

Prepared par :

Sam Nkumi &  Gilberte  Bienvenue

African  Rights Alliance