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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.

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