Qatar's mediation efforts have brought Rwanda and the DRC to the table, leveraging strong economic ties to facilitate crucial peace negotiations.
Qatar has been mediating peace talks to end the conflict between the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group and the Congolese army in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
On Tuesday, Rwandan President Paul Kagame and Congo’s leader, Felix Tshisekedi, had a meeting with Qatar's ruler, Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, in Doha, the capital of Qatar.
According to a joint statement released by Qatar's Foreign Ministry after the talks, the two African presidents reaffirmed their commitment to an "immediate and unconditional" ceasefire . However, it was not clear how that would be implemented or monitored — no immediate resolutions were announced.
This was the initial gathering where both presidents sat opposite each other at the negotiation table since the M23 rebellion began. took control of the key Congolese cities of Goma and Bukavu .
Qatar assumes the position of conflict mediator.
Beverly Ochieng, a senior associate with CSIS’s Africa Program, highlighted that Qatar boasts a strong history of facilitating successful peace agreements.
She informed Pawonation.com that previous attempts at peace initiated by the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) eventually proved unsuccessful, with all possible cease-fire deals breaking down before implementation.
“Qatar’s participation is unexpected yet not entirely surprising since they have been part of numerous peace efforts or dialogues across different regions,” explained Ochieng, noting that the mediated discussions between Chad’s opposition fighters and the country’s transitional administration resulted in “the de-escalation of conflict among rebel groups.”
She likewise pointed out how successful Doha has been in maintaining its longstanding position as mediator in Afghanistan .
This would significantly boost regional stability and come with minimal reputational risks, considering that Rwanda is currently under international sanctions due to the conflict in the eastern region of DR Congo... Additionally, this might be why Qatar is attempting to facilitate talks between Tshisekedi and Kagame.
Regional stability and economic ties
DR Congo presidential spokeswoman Tina Salama said on X that the talks were initiated by Al Thani, describing the Persian Gulf nation as a "strategic ally of the two [African] countries."
Qatar's substantial investments make it an important strategic partner for Rwanda. Qatar Airlines holds almost half of the shares in Rwanda's state-owned airline RwandAir and has a 60% stake in Bugesera International Airport in DRC's South Kivu province.
RwandAir and Qatar Airways have entered into a codeshare pact aimed at enhancing connections through direct services between Kigali and Doha.
Interest in Rwanda aligns with Qatar’s broader expansion plans: “As a small nation in the Middle East aiming to make its mark globally, Qatar is pursuing various strategies,” explained Yvon Muya Cimanga, who teaches at Canada's Saint Paul University’s School of Conflict Studies.
Yvon mentioned that to achieve their intended objectives, the governments employ tactics through politics, sports, diplomacy, and economic means as well.
Expanding the economy through airport investments
Petroleum and natural gas are the cornerstones of Qatar's economy and account for more than 70% of total government revenue. The Persian Gulf state has the world's third largest proven natural gas reserve and is the third largest exporter of natural gas.
"But the country is seeking to diversify the economy and the Great Lakes region in Africa and its many minerals undoubtedly represent also an opportunity for the monarchy," Muya told Pawonation.com.
"Doha's strategy in the region seems to be investment; they invest in infrastructure projects to modernize airports and ports."
The relationship between the two nations has progressively strengthened since they formalized diplomatic ties in 2017. They are connected through various accords and memorandums of understanding (MOUs), covering areas such as commerce, air travel, and farming.
However, Qatar aims to bolster its economic ties with the DRC too: In the previous year, Qatar Airways declared an extension of its route map to incorporate Kinshasa, the capital of Congo. This move allows for higher frequency flights and enhanced capacities to destinations like Luanda, Angola, and various other areas.
The first flight from Doha to Kinshasa touched down at N’djili International Airport on June 1, 2024. By taking this step, the airline aims to enhance air links throughout Africa and strengthen both commercial opportunities and cultural connections.
Qatar's strong ties — a means to initiate discussions
For Muya, Qatar's involvement in mediating the peace process for eastern DRC comes as no surprise.
He stated that this could be attributed to the strengthened ties in recent years between the monarchy and the two conflicting nations.
The Angolan President, João Lourenço—who holds the position of AU chairperson and serves as a peace negotiator in the DRC conflict—is advocating for direct negotiations between Kinshasa and the M23 rebel group.
After the discussions on Tuesday, the Rwandan presidency stated on X that the leaders also highlighted the immediate requirement for direct political talks with AFC/M23 as essential for tackling the underlying issues of the conflict in eastern DRC.
Pressure on Kagame demonstrates influence
The encounter between the two leaders occurred after an earlier effort to facilitate peace negotiations between DR Congo’s government and the M23 rebels did not succeed. The rebels pulled out On Monday following the European Union's announcement of sanctions against their leadership.
Muya claims that M23, along with its supporter Rwanda, aims to seize control. as much ground as possible prior to participating in significant discussion in Kinshasa.
However, Kagame seems to be showing that the international pressure that has increased in recent weeks seems to be already having an impact on his regime, Muya stressed.
According to analyst Ochieng, it is "highly symbolic that the two of them [Tshisekedi and Kagome] have joined forces for these discussions," she stated.
Edited by: Keith Walker
Author: Martina Schwikowski
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