A diplomatic attempt led by the Élysée, with support from Qatar, aimed to bring together Félix Tshisekedi and Paul Kagame in Paris on February 9, 2025. The summit, meant to ease tensions between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda, has now been called off after the Congolese president declined to attend.
A Diplomatic and Military Standoff
The cancellation highlights the ongoing diplomatic rift between Kinshasa and Kigali, largely fueled by the March 23 Movement (M23), an armed rebel group operating in eastern DRC. Kinshasa has repeatedly accused Rwanda of backing the group, exacerbating hostilities.
For months, the security crisis in the region has worsened, making diplomatic efforts increasingly difficult. While various international actors have attempted mediation, deep divisions persist between the two leaders.
France and Qatar’s Diplomatic Efforts
This now-canceled meeting was reportedly spearheaded by France, with support from Qatar, in an effort to stabilize the Great Lakes region. Both countries hoped to facilitate talks and encourage direct engagement between the Congolese and Rwandan presidents.
However, Félix Tshisekedi’s withdrawal from the initiative has dimmed hopes for a de-escalation in the near future, highlighting the challenges of diplomatic negotiations in this conflict.
What’s Next for Conflict Resolution?
With dialogue at a standstill, tensions on the ground are likely to escalate, as clashes between the Congolese army and M23 rebels continue. The lack of high-level discussions further complicates international peace efforts.
While global mediators are still searching for a way forward, the suspension of this Paris summit underscores the deep-rooted divisions preventing a political resolution.
