Govt, M23 rebels resume talks in Doha

The Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwandan-backed M23 rebels have restarted peace talks in Qatar, according to several sources close to the matter, part of a diplomatic effort to end fighting in Congo’s war-ravaged east.

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The two sides last met in Doha in April to discuss a deal that would end fighting this year that has killed thousands, displaced hundreds of thousands more and raised fears of a wider regional war.

An official with knowledge of the talks in Doha told Reuters that the latest round began on May 3.

"The negotiations are being held in a positive atmosphere, and both parties have expressed optimism about the dialogue," said the official, who asked to remain anonymous.

However, two rebel sources said M23 had sent a lower-level delegation than in the earlier round last month, and complained that government delegations had not been empowered to make any decisions in Doha.