Uncertainty Clouds Congo Peace Talks as M23 Rebel Invitation Delayed

M23 rebel group claims they have not been invited to the upcoming peace talks in Doha with the Democratic Republic of Congo, risking the progress of negotiations aimed at ending conflict in eastern Congo. Both sides are working to implement a prisoner exchange mechanism as part of the peace process.

The M23 rebel group, which operates with alleged backing from Rwanda, reports that it has not received an official invitation to the peace talks scheduled with the Democratic Republic of Congo in Doha on Friday. This delay threatens to undermine efforts to resolve the conflict in eastern Congo, which has resulted in significant casualties and displacement this year.

In a swift military campaign, M23 captured Goma, eastern Congo's largest city, earlier this year. The U.S. administration, led by President Donald Trump, has intervened, hoping that facilitating discussions between Congo and Rwanda could foster a long-lasting peace and draw Western investment to the mineral-rich region.

Rwanda denies any support for M23, affirming its actions are defensive against Congo's military and Hutu militias tied to the 1994 genocide. July's mediation hosted by Qatar saw Congo and M23 agreeing to negotiate a peace deal by August 18, yet delays in prisoner exchanges complicate the situation. While progress on agreements continues, questions remain over Congo's participation in the crucial talks.

(With inputs from agencies.)