**New Peace Agreement Signed Between DR Congo and M23 Rebels in Qatar**

This agreement could pave the way for stability in the eastern DRC, yet challenges remain in its implementation.

 

In a diplomatic breakthrough, representatives from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the M23 rebel group signed a ceasefire agreement in Qatar, named the Declaration of Principles, on Saturday. This accord signifies a commitment from both parties to cease hostilities, avoid hate propaganda, and refrain from any aggressive territorial ambitions on the ground.

The timeline outlined within the agreement requires both sides to start implementing its provisions by July 29, with a broader peace agreement expected by August 18. This new accord is also expected to align with a recent US-brokered deal involving DRC and Rwanda, which includes assertions from Rwanda that it does not support the M23 rebels.

The resurgence of conflict in the eastern DRC dates back decades but escalated sharply this year when M23 forces captured key regions, including the strategic city of Goma and the airports in Bukavu. According to United Nations reports, thousands have lost their lives, and countless others have been displaced due to the violence. Conversely, M23 contends that the number of deaths is under 1,000.

DRC's spokesperson, Patrick Muyaya, highlighted that the agreement respects the government's core demands, particularly the non-negotiable withdrawal of M23 forces from contested territories. However, M23 negotiator Benjamin Mbonimpa pointed out that this specific withdrawal was not explicitly mentioned in the agreement text, indicating potential conflicts in interpretation.

This is the first tangible accord reached between the DRC government and M23 since the rebels initiated their offensive at the beginning of the year. Encouragingly, Qatar has expressed intentions to continue facilitating negotiations, while the African Union Commission lauded the declaration as a significant milestone towards establishing lasting peace and security throughout the region.

The document also emphasizes the commitment to restoring governmental authority in eastern DRC, where previous peace efforts have often dwindled, including a notable attempt 16 years ago that culminated in the formation of M23 itself.

In March, meetings between DRC President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame in Qatar called for an immediate cessation of hostilities, yet fighting persisted. Criticism has also been directed toward the June Washington deal, perceived by some as motivated by US interests in the DRC's abundant mineral resources, previously highlighted by former President Trump. Speculation exists regarding a joint visit by Tshisekedi and Kagame to Washington to meet with Trump, though details remain unconfirmed.

The continuous cycle of conflict and attempts at peace in DRC serve as stark reminders of the complexities that underlie the decades-long disputes in the region, leading to questions about whether this latest agreement will lead to meaningful change or fall victim to the same challenges that have thwarted previous efforts.