A delegation from the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) government held recent talks with the M23 rebels in Qatar to discuss ways to stop the ongoing fighting in the country’s eastern region, according to a source close to the discussions, who spoke to Reuters and AFP news agencies.

Neither side has commented on the talks as yet.

The first round of negotiations took place in late March, which the source described as “positive.” The meeting was held privately, and further talks are set to take place in Doha on April 9.

“The upcoming negotiations are expected to continue in Doha, with Qatar mediating, to maintain the momentum and explore ways to resolve the conflict peacefully,” the source told AFP news agency.

On Thursday, the country’s army announced that the rebels had pulled back from the mining hub of Walikale as was agreed during the March talks. Initially, they had accused the M23 of failing to follow through on their commitments.

Walikale is the furthest west the M23 has reached.

The complexity of the eastern Congo conflict, which stems from the aftermath of the Rwandan genocide and disputes over mineral resources, is further complicating the mediation efforts.

The DRC has significant reserves of lithium, cobalt, and other minerals, particularly in the east, which has led to several rebellions and skirmishes over control of the region.

The ethnic Tutsi-led M23 rebel group, founded in 2012, remains one of the most powerful rebel groups operating in the area.

Rwanda has been accused of supporting the M23, although they deny these allegations.

The unrest in Congo has also spread to neighboring countries, with Uganda and Burundi both having troops stationed in the country.

(Edited by: Zac Crellin)

Source: https://www.dw.com/en/dr-congo-and-m23-rebels-engage-in-peace-talks/a-72152041?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf