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Congo and Rwanda-backed rebels sign declaration of principles to end conflict in eastern Congo

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DR Congo, M23 rebels sign deal in Qatar to end fighting in eastern Congo

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Congo and Rwanda-backed rebels sign declaration of principles for permanent ceasefire

Congo and Rwanda-backed rebels sign declaration of principles for a permanent ceasefire in the east

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The Democratic Republic of Congo and M23 rebels signed a declaration of principles in Doha on Saturday to end decades of fighting in eastern Congo, with both sides committing to a permanent ceasefire and restoration of state authority in rebel-held territories. The agreement was mediated by Qatar and includes measures such as prisoner exchanges and the safe return of displaced persons.</span

France 24

The Democratic Republic of Congo and M23 rebels signed a declaration of principles in Doha on Saturday to end decades of fighting in eastern Congo, with both sides committing to a permanent ceasefire and restoration of state authority in rebel-held territories. The agreement was mediated by Qatar and includes measures such as prisoner exchanges and the safe return of displaced persons.

The declaration establishes specific timelines for implementation, requiring both parties to implement the agreement's provisions by July 29 and begin direct negotiations for a comprehensive peace agreement by August 8. The final peace deal must be signed no later than August 18 and align with the June 27 Washington agreement between Congo and Rwanda.</span

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The declaration establishes specific timelines for implementation, requiring both parties to implement the agreement's provisions by July 29 and begin direct negotiations for a comprehensive peace agreement by August 8. The final peace deal must be signed no later than August 18 and align with the June 27 Washington agreement between Congo and Rwanda.

Both sides agreed to establish confidence-building measures including prisoner releases facilitated by the International Committee of the Red Cross and mechanisms to ensure the voluntary return of refugees and internally displaced persons. The agreement prohibits aerial attacks, ground assaults, hate propaganda and attempts to seize new territory by force.</span

Both sides agreed to establish confidence-building measures including prisoner releases facilitated by the International Committee of the Red Cross and mechanisms to ensure the voluntary return of refugees and internally displaced persons. The agreement prohibits aerial attacks, ground assaults, hate propaganda and attempts to seize new territory by force.

Disagreements emerged immediately after signing regarding rebel withdrawal from occupied territories, with Congolese officials claiming the deal includes "non-negotiable withdrawal" while M23 leaders stated they would not retreat "even by one meter" from current positions. The interpretation differences highlight ongoing tensions despite the formal agreement.</span

Disagreements emerged immediately after signing regarding rebel withdrawal from occupied territories, with Congolese officials claiming the deal includes "non-negotiable withdrawal" while M23 leaders stated they would not retreat "even by one meter" from current positions. The interpretation differences highlight ongoing tensions despite the formal agreement.

The agreement builds upon the June 27 peace deal between Congo and Rwanda signed in Washington, which included provisions for respecting territorial integrity and disarming rebel groups. Rwanda has consistently denied accusations of backing M23 rebels, while UN experts report Rwandan military involvement in eastern Congo operations.</span

Anadolu Agency

The agreement builds upon the June 27 peace deal between Congo and Rwanda signed in Washington, which included provisions for respecting territorial integrity and disarming rebel groups. Rwanda has consistently denied accusations of backing M23 rebels, while UN experts report Rwandan military involvement in eastern Congo operations.

The conflict escalated earlier this year when M23 rebels seized control of key eastern cities including Goma and Bukavu, displacing hundreds of thousands of civilians and creating what the UN calls one of the world's most serious humanitarian crises. The rebellion emerged from failed peace processes and operates in Congo's mineral-rich eastern provinces.</span

Critical Threats

The conflict escalated earlier this year when M23 rebels seized control of key eastern cities including Goma and Bukavu, displacing hundreds of thousands of civilians and creating what the UN calls one of the world's most serious humanitarian crises. The rebellion emerged from failed peace processes and operates in Congo's mineral-rich eastern provinces.

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This peace deal represents a breakthrough after years of failed negotiations and broken ceasefires. The agreement provides a clear roadmap with specific timelines that create political pressure for implementation. Qatar's mediation and US backing give this accord more credibility than previous attempts, offering genuine hope for millions of displaced civilians.

This peace deal represents a breakthrough after years of failed negotiations and broken ceasefires. The agreement provides a clear roadmap with specific timelines that create political pressure for implementation. Qatar's mediation and US backing give this accord more credibility than previous attempts, offering genuine hope for millions of displaced civilians.

Previous peace deals have repeatedly failed in this region, and this agreement already shows cracks with both sides interpreting key provisions differently within hours of signing. The vague language around rebel withdrawal and lack of enforcement mechanisms suggest this may be another symbolic gesture rather than meaningful progress toward ending the conflict.

Previous peace deals have repeatedly failed in this region, and this agreement already shows cracks with both sides interpreting key provisions differently within hours of signing. The vague language around rebel withdrawal and lack of enforcement mechanisms suggest this may be another symbolic gesture rather than meaningful progress toward ending the conflict.

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Experts skeptical about DR Congo peace deal  DW  07

The vague language and immediate disagreements over key provisions show this is just another hollow agreement destined to fail. M23's refusal to commit to withdrawal and the lack of enforcement mechanisms make implementation unlikely. Without addressing root causes or establishing justice mechanisms, this deal won't deliver lasting peace any more than previous failed accords.

The vague language and immediate disagreements over key provisions show this is just another hollow agreement destined to fail. M23's refusal to commit to withdrawal and the lack of enforcement mechanisms make implementation unlikely. Without addressing root causes or establishing justice mechanisms, this deal won't deliver lasting peace any more than previous failed accords.

Hope for peace as DR Congo and M23 rebels sign peace deal in Qatar

The Eastern Congo Conflict

Congo and M23 Rebels Sign Peace Deal in Qatar

Civil war & guerrilla warfare

Qatar

Armed conflict

Rwanda

Politics

Democratic Republic of Congo

This peace agreement represents a genuine breakthrough after years of devastating conflict that has displaced millions and destabilized the entire region. The clear timelines and international mediation provide the framework needed for lasting peace, while the commitment to restore state authority addresses the core issue of territorial control. Qatar's successful mediation and US support demonstrate strong international backing for implementation.

This peace agreement represents a genuine breakthrough after years of devastating conflict that has displaced millions and destabilized the entire region. The clear timelines and international mediation provide the framework needed for lasting peace, while the commitment to restore state authority addresses the core issue of territorial control. Qatar's successful mediation and US support demonstrate strong international backing for implementation.

UN News

Doha agreement brings DR Congo government and M23 rebels a step closer to peace

There's a 60% chance that the Democratic Republic of Congo will experience a civil war before 2036, according to the Metaculus prediction community.

There's a 60% chance that the Democratic Republic of Congo will experience a civil war before 2036, according to the Metaculus prediction community.

DRC, M23 Rebels Sign Peace Deal in Qatar

CongoDRC, and M23 Rebels Sign Peace Deal in Qatar

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