M23 rebels sign ceasefire with DRC government
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The Rwanda-backed M23 rebels and the DRC government signed a ceasefire agreement in Qatar, outlining a roadmap for peace and restoration of state authority in eastern Congo.
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Moto taxis wait for customers in downtown Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo, on February 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Moses Sawasawa)
The Rwandan-backed M23 rebels have signed an immediate ceasefire with the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in Qatar on Saturday, according to an official familiar with the ongoing negotiations.
The ceasefire is part of a Declaration of Principles set to be endorsed by both parties after three months of mediation in the Gulf emirate. The agreement aims to reduce hostilities and set the groundwork for a lasting peace process in the conflict-torn eastern region of the DRC.
According to the official, the Declaration includes three key components: an agreement for an immediate cessation of hostilities, a commitment to enter formal negotiations for a comprehensive peace deal, and a consensus on establishing a mechanism to ensure a permanent ceasefire.
The agreement also outlines a "roadmap for restoring state authority in eastern DRC" once a final peace deal is reached. The move is seen as a critical step toward ending decades of instability in the mineral-rich region, where armed groups have long undermined governance and security.
The M23 armed group launched a rapid military offensive in January and February, capturing significant territory in eastern DRC, including the key provincial capitals of Goma and Bukavu. The assault caused widespread displacement and led to thousands of deaths.
While the front lines have largely stabilized since February, sporadic clashes continue between M23 forces and pro-government militias operating in the region.
Eastern DRC has been mired in conflict for over three decades, with recurring waves of violence causing massive humanitarian crises. The latest M23 offensive further exacerbated conditions, displacing hundreds of thousands and placing immense pressure on already limited aid services.
Earlier last month, US President Donald Trump confirmed on June 20 that a peace agreement between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda was negotiated in Washington. The two African nations, at odds over conflict in eastern DRC, announced in a joint statement on June 18 that they had initialed a deal aimed at ending the ongoing hostilities.
