Al Mayadeen English

  • Ar
  • Es
  • x
Al Mayadeen English

Slogan

  • News
    • Politics
    • Economy
    • Sports
    • Arts&Culture
    • Health
    • Miscellaneous
    • Technology
    • Environment
  • Articles
    • Opinion
    • Analysis
    • Blog
    • Features
  • Videos
    • NewsFeed
    • Video Features
    • Explainers
    • TV
    • Digital Series
  • Infographs
  • In Pictures
  • • LIVE
News
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Sports
  • Arts&Culture
  • Health
  • Miscellaneous
  • Technology
  • Environment
Articles
  • Opinion
  • Analysis
  • Blog
  • Features
Videos
  • NewsFeed
  • Video Features
  • Explainers
  • TV
  • Digital Series
Infographs
In Pictures
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Asia-Pacific
  • Europe
  • Latin America
  • MENA
  • Palestine
  • US & Canada
BREAKING
Al Mayadeen's correspondent: Iranian air defenses repel Israeli attack on military site in Shiraz.
Al Mayadeen's correspondent in Iran reports the activation of air defenses over Kashan.
IRGC: Operation to transport handmade bombs foiled in Gilan, north of Iran.
Al Mayadeen's correspondent: Iranian police says dismantled "electronic bomb" in west Tehran.
Israeli media: Drone explodes in Route 90 in Arraba after interception attempts failed.
Israeli media: A wave of drones since morning, with 10 drones infiltrating so far.
Israeli media: Drone still flying in Wadi Araba near Ramon Airport, south of Occupied Palestine, efforts to intercept it have failed.
Israeli media: Direct hit from drone on building in Beit She'an.
Israeli media: Sirens blare in Beit She'an in Jordan Valley, amid fears of drone infiltration, explosions heard.
Mansouri: Iran's defensive capabilities far exceeded Israeli entity's expectations.

DRC, M23 agree to truce in eastern Congo, work toward ceasefire

  • By Al Mayadeen English
  • Source: Agencies
  • 24 Apr 2025 13:19
3 Min Read

Under Qatari mediation, the DRC government and M23 rebels have agreed to halt fighting in eastern Congo, aiming for a permanent truce.

  • x
  • DRCMajor General lbrahim Michael Mhona (L), Representative of the Chief of Defense Forces of United Republic of Tanzania, and Major General Sultani Makenga, the military Coordinator of the Congolese Revolutionary Army/M23 (R), shake hands holding the ceasefire agreement during the signature ceremony in Goma, on March 28, 2025 (AFP)

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) government and the M23 rebel group have reached a landmark ceasefire agreement, announcing an immediate halt to fighting in the conflict-ridden east of the country.

The joint statement, released on national television and by M23’s spokesperson, comes after surprise negotiations mediated by Qatar.

Both parties declared their commitment to cease hostilities "throughout the duration of the talks and until their conclusion," marking a significant step toward a permanent resolution of the M23 conflict in eastern DRC.

The breakthrough follows discreet diplomatic efforts by Qatar, which hosted the talks that led to the announcement. The Congo peace talks initiative has drawn international attention, as previous attempts at a truce have repeatedly collapsed since 2021.

Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari welcomed the development, urging both sides to pursue "an agreement that aligns with the aspirations of the Congolese people for peace and development."

More than six ceasefires have been attempted and subsequently failed in the region over the past four years. The M23 group, which reignited its insurgency in 2021, has seized key cities including Goma and Bukavu, escalating the humanitarian and security crisis in eastern Congo.

Related News

Rwanda exits Central African bloc over Congo dispute

M23, Southern Africa bloc agree on troop withdrawal from Eastern DRC

However, the latest peace process has raised hopes of a more lasting solution, especially given the direct involvement of Qatar and the changing political dynamics in the region.

Doha talks were 'constructive'

The conflict has been further complicated by ongoing Rwanda-DRC tensions. UN experts and several Western governments have accused Rwanda of supporting M23 militarily—a charge Kigali denies. The Rwandan government insists on addressing security threats from Hutu militias operating in the DRC, whom they link to the 1994 genocide.

Despite these tensions, DRC President Felix Tshisekedi—who previously rejected any direct engagement with M23—has signaled a shift, participating in surprise meetings with Rwandan President Paul Kagame in Doha earlier this year. These talks laid the groundwork for the recent truce announcement.

A source familiar with the negotiations told AFP the Doha talks were "constructive", adding that both sides are preparing for a deeper round of discussions aimed at building a "comprehensive political settlement."

The next phase of negotiations is expected to resume in Doha in the coming weeks, the source noted.

Qatar has also deepened economic ties with both Rwanda and the DRC, committing over a billion dollars in investments, including in a major airport project near Kigali.

Read more: M23, Southern Africa bloc agree on troop withdrawal from Eastern DRC

  • DRC
  • M23 rebels
  • Democratic Republic of Congo
  • Qatar

Most Read

Bin Salman: Islamic world backs Iran in call to Pezeshkian

MBS says Islamic world backs Iran in call with Pezeshkian

  • MENA
  • 15 Jun 2025
Iran launches 9th wave of Op. True Promise 3, destroys IOF air defense

Iran launches 9th wave of Op. True Promise 3, destroys IOF air defense

  • MENA
  • 17 Jun 2025
Rescue team work at the site where a missile launched from Iran struck Tel Aviv, Israel, Monday, June 16, 2025 (AP)

Wave 12 of Operation True Promise 3 launched, Sejjil deployed: IRGC

  • Politics
  • 18 Jun 2025
Iran launches missile barrage to Tel Aviv, casualties reported

True Promise 3, wave 14: Tel Aviv targeted, casualties reported

  • Politics
  • 19 Jun 2025

Coverage

All
The Ummah's Martyrs

Read Next

All
A motorcycle is on fire after an Israeli drone strike targeted it in the southern Lebanese village of Baraachit, June 20, 2025 (Social media)
Politics

Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon lead to casualty, martyr

An Israeli military vehicle before it was targeted in Operation Breaking the Sword in Gaza, undated (Al-Qassam Brigades Military Media)
Politics

Gaza Resistance pounds invading Israeli forces in joint operations

Israeli occupation forces and emergency teams work next to an unpopulated building after it was hit by a missile fired from Iran, in Haifa, occupied Palestine, Friday, June 20, 2025 (AP)
Politics

Iran bombs Israeli Interior Ministry in tit-for-tat response

A man is evacuated by an Israeli emergency team after a missile from Iran hits in Haifa, Israel, Friday, June 20, 2025 (AP)
Politics

1,217 injured in 'Israel' from Iran retaliation amid rising tensions

Al Mayadeen English

Al Mayadeen is an Arab Independent Media Satellite Channel.

All Rights Reserved

  • x
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Authors
Android
iOS