By Ayomide Otitoju
The Democratic Republic of Congo and M23 rebels have signed a ceasefire deal in Doha, Qatar, aiming to halt fighting in the mineral-rich but volatile eastern region.
The truce, signed after three months of talks, follows a separate Washington agreement between Kinshasa and Rwanda. It commits both sides to ending hostilities, halting hate speech, and avoiding new territorial gains.
The African Union welcomed the agreement as “a major milestone” toward lasting peace in the Great Lakes region.
Under the terms, direct negotiations for a permanent peace accord will begin by August 8, with full implementation by July 29. The deal includes restoring government authority in rebel-held areas.
M23 previously rejected the Washington accord, citing unresolved issues. UN experts have accused Rwanda of backing M23 militarily—claims Kigali denies.
The conflict, which reignited earlier this year, has displaced hundreds of thousands and killed thousands as M23 captured key cities including Goma and Bukavu.
