The renewed conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) following M23’s capture of Goma and Bukavu in January 2025 has prompted international calls for a ceasefire and negotiation, with Qatar and the U.S. emerging as mediators. Past mediation efforts have failed due to weak enforcement mechanisms, exclusion of civil society, and neglect of root causes, such as ethnic tensions and resource competition, while recent initiatives have struggled for legitimacy. A sustainable peace strategy must address these structural issues and include marginalized communities, particularly Congolese Tutsi, to build lasting stability.
