By RAED BADAVVI–
Kalo Africa Media Correspondent – Doha, Qatar
Qatar has highlighted its diplomatic mediation efforts in the Democratic Republic of the Congo during a parliamentary gathering in Japan, emphasizing that lasting peace depends not only on reaching agreements but also on ensuring that conflicting parties implement their commitments.
Qatar’s Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al Khulaifi, addressed the Parliamentary Association for Peace Mediation at Japan’s House of Representatives in Tokyo on Friday.
According to Qatar News Agency (QNA), the minister outlined Doha’s approach to international mediation, citing the Democratic Republic of the Congo among several conflicts in which Qatar has undertaken diplomatic efforts.
DR Congo Among Qatar’s Mediation Priorities
Al Khulaifi referred to Qatar’s mediation activities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo alongside its diplomatic involvement in Afghanistan and the Gaza Strip.
He presented mediation as a central component of Qatar’s foreign policy, emphasizing the importance of dialogue in protecting lives, reducing humanitarian suffering and promoting regional stability.
The minister said effective mediation requires trust, credibility, patience and respect for commitments.
He also emphasized the importance of maintaining confidentiality during negotiations and helping conflicting parties identify solutions acceptable to all sides.
His remarks placed particular emphasis on the responsibilities of mediators beyond the initial stages of negotiations.
Implementing Agreements Essential for Lasting Peace
A central theme of Al Khulaifi’s address was the distinction between reaching a political agreement and translating that agreement into lasting peace.
The Qatari minister stressed that implementation and compliance with commitments are essential to the success of peace processes.
His comments are relevant to ongoing diplomatic efforts involving the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where Qatar has played a mediation role in negotiations between the Congolese government and the AFC/M23 movement.
However, the minister did not announce a new agreement, ceasefire arrangement or implementation timetable concerning the Congolese conflict during his address in Tokyo.
The remarks instead focused on the broader principles that Qatar considers necessary for successful mediation.
Protecting Diplomatic Channels
Al Khulaifi also highlighted the importance of protecting mediators and preserving communication between conflicting parties.
He emphasized that maintaining channels for negotiation helps keep opportunities for peaceful settlements available, even when disputes remain difficult to resolve.
The minister described diplomacy as an essential instrument for reducing tensions and creating conditions in which political solutions can emerge.
He also referred to Qatar’s humanitarian initiatives related to the reunification of children separated from their families during the war in Ukraine.
These activities, he explained, form part of Doha’s wider approach to reducing humanitarian suffering while supporting diplomatic solutions.
Qatar and Japan Explore Greater Mediation Cooperation
During his address, Al Khulaifi praised the longstanding friendship and strategic partnership between Qatar and Japan.
He expressed hope that the two countries would strengthen cooperation in promoting dialogue, reducing tensions and coordinating humanitarian and development efforts in conflict-affected countries.
The minister also called for greater exchanges of mediation expertise.
The gathering provided Qatar with an opportunity to present its diplomatic experience to Japanese parliamentarians and discuss potential areas for international cooperation.
Implications for African Peace Efforts
For African observers, the reference to the Democratic Republic of the Congo underscores the continued place of the Congolese peace process within Qatar’s international mediation agenda.
The emphasis on implementing agreements is particularly significant in conflicts where political understandings must be followed by practical measures to achieve sustainable stability.
Nevertheless, Friday’s address should not be interpreted as announcing a breakthrough in the Congolese negotiations.
No new commitments involving the Democratic Republic of the Congo were disclosed.
The significance of the statement lies in Qatar’s renewed public emphasis on mediation and its insistence that diplomatic achievements must be supported by implementation and sustained engagement.
The remarks were reported by Qatar News Agency on October 23, 2026, following Al Khulaifi’s address to the Parliamentary Association for Peace Mediation in Tokyo.
