Doha: Representatives from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the Rwanda-backed M23 militia signed a provisional ceasefire in Qatar on Saturday, committing both sides to signing a permanent truce and a comprehensive peace agreement no later than August 18.
According to Deutsche Welle, this development is considered a significant step toward achieving peace, security, and stability in eastern DRC and the wider Great Lakes region. African Union (AU) Chair Mahmoud Ali Youssouf emphasized the importance of this agreement in a statement, highlighting its alignment with a previous peace deal signed by both parties in Washington on June 27.
The agreement, referred to as “agreement to principles,” includes commitments from both sides to refrain from “hate propaganda” and any attempts to seize new positions by force. This initiative is expected to contribute to reducing tensions and fostering a more peaceful environment in the region.
Despite Rwanda’s denial of backing the M23 group, Rwanda’s Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe had previously agreed to lift “defensive measures” in east DRC, contingent upon Congo’s disbandment of an armed group associated with the 1994 Rwandan genocide. Analysts suggest that the withdrawal of M23 rebels from key cities like Bakayu and Goma will largely depend on the concessions that the DRC is prepared to make.
The June agreement in Washington, which included a side arrangement, was noted by then-President Donald Trump as a move to provide the US access to the DRC’s vast mineral resources. Meanwhile, the United Nations continues to describe the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC, which has displaced more than seven million people, as one of the most prolonged and severe humanitarian crises globally.