DR Congo, M23 rebel group finalize peace agreement

(MENAFN) After months of negotiations led by Qatar, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) and the M23 rebel group have agreed to finalize a peace deal by August 18, marking a significant step toward resolving years of conflict in the region, according to reports.

On Saturday, representatives from both the Congolese government and the M23 rebels signed a declaration of principles in Doha, laying out a roadmap toward a permanent settlement. Statements from both parties, along with Qatari officials, confirmed the development.

The agreement text states that both sides agreed “to uphold their commitment to a permanent ceasefire,” which prohibits military actions by air, land, sea, or lake, as well as bans sabotage, incitement, and any further territorial expansion through force.

Authorities in Kinshasa welcomed the declaration as a step forward in bringing lasting stability to eastern DR Congo and expressed gratitude to Qatar for its role in facilitating the dialogue.

For months, regional and global powers have urged a halt to the fighting, especially after M23 forces launched renewed attacks earlier this year in the resource-rich eastern provinces. The group reportedly captured major mining centers like Goma and Bukavu, with thousands of casualties reported.

The Congolese government continues to accuse neighboring Rwanda of supporting the rebels—an allegation Kigali denies. Last month, DR Congo and Rwanda reached a separate agreement brokered by the United States, which US President Donald Trump claimed grants the U.S. access to the region’s mineral resources.

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