Doha: The Democratic Republic of Congo and M23 rebels have signed a ceasefire deal in Qatar to end fighting between the warring sides. Dubbed the Declaration of Principles, the agreement outlines that both parties must refrain from initiating attacks, engaging in “hate propaganda,” and attempting to seize new positions by force.
According to BBC, the declaration is intended as a roadmap towards a permanent settlement. DR Congo spokesperson Patrick Muyaya mentioned that the deal considers the government’s “red line,” emphasizing the “non-negotiable withdrawal” of M23 from occupied areas. However, M23 negotiator Benjamin Mbonimpa, in a video posted on X, stated that the agreement did not mention such a pull-out.
This marks the first direct accord between the DR Congo and M23 since the rebels launched their offensive at the start of the year. Qatar has indicated that negotiations are set to continue, aiming for a more comprehensive peace process.
The African Union Commission has called the declaration a “milestone” in efforts to achieve lasting peace and security in the region. The agreement also includes a commitment to reinstating state authority in eastern DR Congo, an area that has been plagued by conflict.
Despite this new agreement, the region has seen numerous failed peace deals in the past. The M23 rebels, one of the main players in the current conflict, initially emerged from a failed peace deal 16 years ago that did not fulfill its promises of demobilization.
Earlier this year, DR Congo’s President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame met in Qatar and called for an immediate ceasefire. In April, a ceasefire facilitated by Qatar was agreed upon, but fighting persisted on the ground.
The Washington deal, which emerged in June, faced criticism due to the perceived motives behind US intervention, particularly concerning DR Congo’s vast mineral resources. President Trump highlighted this aspect as a significant achievement.
There is ongoing speculation about a possible meeting between Tshisekedi, Kagame, and Trump in Washington, although no date has been set for such a meeting.