The presidents of Congo and neighboring Rwanda met Tuesday in Qatar for their first direct talks since Rwanda-backed M23 rebels seized two major cities in mineral-rich eastern Congo earlier this year.

Democratic Republic of Congo President Felix Tshisekedi and his Rwandan counterpart Paul Kagame called for a ceasefire in eastern Congo on Tuesday during their first meeting since M23 rebels stepped up an offensive there in January.

Belgium, Rwanda’s former colonial ruler, pushed for the European Union to impose sanction against Rwandan officials over their role in invading eastern Congo and plundering its mineral wealth.

Bukavu residents say 'selfish interests' are behind the collapse of peace talks between rebels and Congo's government:: Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo:: March 18, 2025:: Hypocrate Marume, Bukavu resident"It is with dismay that we learned some participants withdrew from the dialogue.

Congo’s government says it will participate in peace talks in Angola with the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group that has captured key areas of Congo’s mineral-rich east

The M23 backtracked on peace talks after the European Union announced sanctions related to the offensive which targeted its political leader Bertrand Bisimwa and Rwandan army comm