Despite his promise to meet Paul Kagame only in paradise, President Tshisekedi was found in front of Rwandan President under the mediation of Qatar’s Emir.

On March 18, 2025, Democratic Republic of Congo President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame met face-to-face in Qatar to address the ongoing conflict in eastern Congo. The meeting was mediated by the Emir of Qatar.

The discussions focused on the offensive by the M23 rebels, who have seized eastern Congo’s two largest cities since January. The United Nations and international powers accuse Rwanda of providing support to the M23, a claim that Rwanda denies, stating its forces are acting in self-defense against Congo’s army and militias hostile to Kigali.

In a joint statement, the presidents agreed on the necessity of continuing the discussions initiated in Doha to establish solid foundations for lasting peace.

Written by Patient Izungu