Doha: The Democratic Republic of Congo and the Rwanda-backed armed group M23 have signed a ceasefire agreement to end hostilities in the mineral-rich yet conflict-ridden eastern region of the country. The agreement was reached on Saturday after three months of negotiations in Qatar, marking an important step towards resolving the ongoing conflict.
According to France24.com, the two parties formalized a declaration of principles that includes a “permanent ceasefire,” aligning with a separate peace agreement between the Congolese and Rwandan governments established in Washington last month. The new deal features a roadmap aimed at restoring state authority in the eastern DRC and sets the stage for direct negotiations towards a comprehensive peace agreement.
The signing ceremony in Doha witnessed Congolese presidential envoy Sumbu Sita Mambu and M23 permanent secretary Benjamin Mbonimpa shaking hands, symbolizing their commitment to the agreement. The M23 had previously sought its own ceasefire deal with Kinshasa, expressing that the earlier DRC-Rwanda agreement overlooked certain unresolved issues.
Both parties have agreed to adhere to the terms of the deal by July 29, with plans to initiate negotiations for a comprehensive agreement by August 8. The African Union has lauded the agreement as a “significant development,” recognizing it as a major step toward achieving lasting peace, security, and stability in eastern DRC and the broader Great Lakes region.
Congolese government spokesman Patrick Muyaya stated that the new deal respects the DRC’s critical demands, which include the withdrawal of M23 forces from occupied areas and the re-establishment of government institutions, such as the armed forces. He anticipates that a comprehensive peace agreement will be finalized in the near future.
Despite the ceasefire agreement, concerns about renewed violence persist, as fighting has erupted again in the region. Presidents Paul Kagame of Rwanda and Felix Tshisekedi of the DRC are expected to meet in the coming months to reinforce the Washington peace deal, which remains to be fully implemented.
Further questions linger regarding an anticipated side agreement on economic matters, following former US President Donald Trump’s remarks about securing mineral wealth in the DRC. Congolese President Tshisekedi had previously discussed access to the country’s mineral resources with US special envoy Massad Boulos, who emphasized the significance of restoring government control over eastern DRC as a critical component of the new deal.
While the front line has stabilized since February, sporadic clashes between the M23 and pro-government militias continue to occur. Neighboring Rwanda has repeatedly denied providing military support to the M23, though UN experts have reported the Rwandan army’s significant involvement in the group’s offensive activities.