Representatives from the and the -backed 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.
“This marks a major milestone in the ongoing efforts to achieve lasting peace, security and stability in eastern DRC and the wider Great Lakes region,” said Chair Mahmoud Ali Youssouf in a statement.
Saturday’s “agreement to principles” deal on June 27.
What are the terms of the Congo-M23 ceasefire?
Congo’s mineral-rich east has seen operating in the region.
At the moment, it is unclear what the specific terms of the final deal will encompass and what concessions have been agreed to. M23 has pushed for the release of captured fighters, whereas Congo has demanded the .
Saturday’s statement said the two sides would refrain from “hate propaganda” and “any attempt to seize by force new positions.”
Thousands of M23 fighters remain in eastern DRC.
DRC expected to make concessions
Though Rwanda denies backing the group, in June, Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe agreed to lift what he called “defensive measures” in east DRC once Congo disbands an armed group Rwanda says was behind the .
Analysts, however, say the withdrawal of M23 rebels from the cities of Bakayu and Goma — which they recently took control of — will depend largely on what concessions the DRC is ultimately willing to make.
The deal signed in Washington was accompanied by a side agreement that President Donald Trump said would provide the US access to the DRC’s vast mineral wealth.
The UN has called the conflict in eastern DRC, which has displaced more than seven million people, “one of the most protracted, complex and serious humanitarian crises on earth.”
Edited by: Alex Berry
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