The Rwanda-backed rebel coalition AFC/M23 has pulled its delegation from peace talks in Doha, Qatar, in what many now see as a clear sign the group was never serious about peace in eastern Congo.
The talks, which began in May 2025 and were mediated by Qatar, were part of an international push to end the violence and restore order in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The withdrawal, led by M23 Secretary General Benjamin Mbonimpa, marks a major blow to efforts for peace and a warning to the world that M23 cannot be trusted.
M23 Proves Again: It Chooses War Over Peace
According to sources, Mbonimpa and his team quietly left Doha and returned to Goma, M23’s stronghold in rebel-occupied territory. No official reason was given, but insiders say the group refused to accept basic confidence-building measures demanded by mediators.
The DRC government had called on M23 to fully withdraw from occupied territories and show proof it was ready for peace. M23 responded by abandoning a few areas, including Walikale, only to launch fresh military offensives days later.
While pretending to negotiate, M23 was already planning new attacks.
Rwanda’s Hidden Hand and Fake Demands
M23, known for its deep links to the Rwandan regime of Paul Kagame, also demanded the release of 700 so-called "detainees," claiming they were jailed for being linked to the movement. The Congolese government released five, but none matched the rebel list, another sign the demands were likely fabricated or politically staged.
Many observers believe this was just a tactic to stall the talks, buy time, and justify returning to violence. Kagame's game plan is clear: keep eastern Congo unstable, drain resources, and use M23 as a proxy force to create chaos.
New Violence, Same Old M23
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Jun 6, 2025
May 15, 2026
4 min read
Published
Updated:
The Rwanda-backed rebel coalition AFC/M23 has pulled its delegation from peace talks in Doha, Qatar, in what many now see as a clear sign the group was never serious about peace in eastern Congo.
The talks, which began in May 2025 and were mediated by Qatar, were part of an international push to end the violence and restore order in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The withdrawal, led by M23 Secretary General Benjamin Mbonimpa, marks a major blow to efforts for peace and a warning to the world that M23 cannot be trusted.
M23 Proves Again: It Chooses War Over Peace
According to sources, Mbonimpa and his team quietly left Doha and returned to Goma, M23’s stronghold in rebel-occupied territory. No official reason was given, but insiders say the group refused to accept basic confidence-building measures demanded by mediators.
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The DRC government had called on M23 to fully withdraw from occupied territories and show proof it was ready for peace. M23 responded by abandoning a few areas, including Walikale, only to launch fresh military offensives days later.
While pretending to negotiate, M23 was already planning new attacks.
Rwanda’s Hidden Hand and Fake Demands
M23, known for its deep links to the Rwandan regime of Paul Kagame, also demanded the release of 700 so-called "detainees," claiming they were jailed for being linked to the movement. The Congolese government released five, but none matched the rebel list, another sign the demands were likely fabricated or politically staged.
Many observers believe this was just a tactic to stall the talks, buy time, and justify returning to violence. Kagame's game plan is clear: keep eastern Congo unstable, drain resources, and use M23 as a proxy force to create chaos.
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New Violence, Same Old M23
Since pulling out of the Qatar talks, M23 has resumed attacks in Walikale, with an attempt to capture Pinga town. The rebels, backed by Rwandan military logistics, are once again violating every ceasefire deal they’ve signed.
These criminals don’t want peace, they want control,” said one Congolese officer near the front line. “They leave the table and go straight to the battlefield.”
Meanwhile, the fragile ceasefire from April has completely collapsed. M23 blames the Wazalendo militias, but evidence shows the rebel group never stopped expanding its control, building illegal checkpoints, and intimidating civilians.
Peace Talks or Propaganda?
The walkout in Qatar shows that M23 likely joined the talks not to find peace, but to buy international legitimacy and confuse the global media. Their exit proves what the Congolese people have long known:
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You cannot negotiate with a rebel group that answers to Kigali, not Kinshasa.
Congo Must Not Be Fooled Again
President Félix Tshisekedi and the Congolese government have tried to follow the diplomatic path. They agreed to international mediation, attended every summit, and kept doors open for peace, but Rwanda’s puppet militia continues to betray the process.
With M23 walking out and attacking again, the world must stop treating this as a normal negotiation. It’s time to treat M23 as what it is, a terrorist proxy used by Rwanda to destabilize Congo.
Final Word
The withdrawal from Qatar isn’t just a failed negotiation, it’s proof that M23 is not a peace partner. It’s a rebel group loyal to foreign interests, not the Congolese people. As they run back to the bush with Kagame's weapons, Congo stands firm, and the people say no more lies, no more terror.
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