The sixth round of direct negotiations between the Congolese government and the AFC/M23 rebel movement, known as Doha 6, will not take place this week as initially planned, Qatari officials have confirmed.
Speaking at a press briefing in Doha on Tuesday, October 7, Majed Al Ansari, spokesperson for the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs, announced the postponement, citing the country’s diplomatic focus on mediation efforts related to the ongoing crisis in Gaza.
“The attention of Qatar is currently focused on the talks concerning the Gaza crisis taking place in Egypt,” Al Ansari said, noting that the Qatari Prime Minister is deeply involved in those negotiations, reportedly “on recommendation—and even under pressure—from Donald J. Trump,” in an effort to secure an agreement between the parties involved.
“There will be no Doha 6 this week,” Al Ansari confirmed, adding that Qatar’s diplomatic priority remains directed toward its Middle East mediation efforts.
He reminded journalists that Qatar is currently engaged in more than ten international mediation processes, including those concerning Yemen, Darfur, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
“There will be no party imposing its own pace in these processes,” Al Ansari said.
“There will be concessions, adjustments from various sides, and even mediation points that are unacceptable in the initial proposals we receive.”
The announcement underscores Qatar’s growing global role as a mediator but also highlights the complexity of balancing multiple international peace initiatives simultaneously.
The postponement of Doha 6 delays a key opportunity to revive stalled peace efforts between the Congolese government and the M23 rebels, whose conflict continues to destabilize eastern DRC.