Qatar Hosts High-Stakes Trilateral Talks to Advance Peace in Eastern DRC

By Adonis Byemelwa

Doha– In a significant diplomatic push to ease tensions in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Qatar hosted a high-level trilateral meeting on Tuesday, March 18, 2025 (QNA), bringing together HH Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, HE President of Rwanda Paul Kagame, and HE President of the Democratic Republic of Congo Felix Tshisekedi Tshilombo.
With the region still reeling from cycles of violence, the discussions in Doha took on a sense of urgency.

The three leaders acknowledged the progress made through ongoing diplomatic efforts—particularly the Luanda and Nairobi processes, as well as the recent joint summit of the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in Dar es Salaam on February 8.

They reaffirmed their commitment to enforcing an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, emphasizing that stability in the region hinges on translating political commitments into tangible actions.
Beyond the formal declarations, the meeting in Doha represented more than just another diplomatic gathering—it was a critical moment of confidence-building between two leaders whose nations have long been at odds over the conflict in eastern DRC.

The human cost of this crisis has been devastating, with millions displaced and communities caught in the crossfire of armed groups, economic exploitation, and geopolitical rivalries. Against this backdrop, the Doha talks aimed to lay the groundwork for a more lasting peace—one that goes beyond ceasefires and diplomatic agreements to address the root causes of instability.

Presidents Kagame and Tshisekedi expressed their gratitude to Qatar and HH Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani for facilitating the dialogue and recognizing the value of a neutral mediator in fostering trust and progress.

As the discussions continue, the focus will be on turning these commitments into actionable steps that can finally break the cycle of violence and give the people of eastern DRC a real shot at lasting security and stability.