sesame, congo
AP
—
The Congolese and Rwandan-backed M23 rebel groups signed a framework agreement on Saturday for a peace deal. This is the latest step in so far unsuccessful efforts to end decades of conflict in eastern Congo.
Earlier this year, M23 seized control of two major cities in eastern Congo, Goma and Bukavu, during a major escalation in the conflict.
M23, backed by neighboring Rwanda, is the most powerful of more than 100 armed groups fighting for control of the mineral-rich eastern Congo. The conflict in Congo, which has displaced 7 million people, has been described by the United Nations as “one of the most protracted, complex and serious humanitarian crises on earth”.
The agreement signed in Doha on Saturday after mediation by Qatar and the United States is not yet a final peace deal, but rather a framework outlining the steps needed to reach a peace deal, Benjamin Mbonyinpa, head of the M23 delegation, said in a video posted on X.
“Until each measure is discussed and negotiated and a final peace agreement is reached, there will be no change to the situation on the ground and no action will be taken,” Mbonyinpa said.
The Congolese government said in a statement that the framework agreement signed on Saturday includes eight measures that form the basis of a peace agreement. Two of the measures, agreements on the release of prisoners and the creation of a ceasefire monitoring body, were already signed in September and October.
The Congolese government said six other measures, including the restoration of state authority in rebel-held areas, humanitarian access and refugee resettlement, would be subject to discussion and negotiation within the next two weeks.
Qatar has hosted multiple rounds of talks between Congo and the M23 since April, primarily with the aim of setting preconditions for a peace deal and agreeing on confidence-building measures, but both sides still accuse each other of violating peace terms and fighting continues.
In July, Congo and the M23 signed a Declaration of Principles in Qatar to end the conflict and conclude a comprehensive peace agreement. Both sides agreed to finalize the agreement by August 18, but failed to meet the deadline and accused each other of violating the agreement.
Massad Boulos, a senior adviser to US President Donald Trump, attended a ceremony in Doha on Saturday and said the framework agreement was a “starting point”.
“This is just the beginning, but we know the final outcome will be very fruitful,” he said, calling it a “historic” opportunity.
The Trump administration also led mediation efforts between Rwanda and Congo, which are accused of supporting M23, leading to the signing of a peace agreement between the two countries in June.
