Backed by neighboring Rwanda, the M23 rebel group is the most prominent of more than 100 armed factions fighting for control in Congo’s mineral-rich eastern region. With 7 million people displaced, the conflict in Congo has been described by the United Nations as “one of the most protracted, complex, serious humanitarian crises on Earth.”

On Saturday, an important agreement was signed in Doha following mediation efforts by Qatar and the United States. However, this agreement is not yet a final peace deal. Rather, it serves as a framework outlining the necessary measures required to reach a comprehensive peace agreement.

Benjamin Mbonimpa, head of the M23 delegation, explained in a video posted on X that “there will be neither any change in the situation on the ground, nor any activity whatsoever, until the measures are debated, negotiated and discussed one by one and a final peace agreement is reached.”

The Congolese government released a statement confirming that the framework agreement includes eight key measures which will form the basis for a final peace deal. Two of these measures—agreements on the release of prisoners and the creation of a ceasefire oversight body—were already signed in September and October.

The remaining six measures will be discussed and negotiated over the next two weeks. These include the restoration of state authority in rebel-controlled areas, ensuring humanitarian access, and the resettlement of refugees.

Since April, Qatar has hosted multiple rounds of talks between the Congolese government and M23. These talks have mainly focused on setting preconditions for a peace deal and agreeing on confidence-building steps. Despite these efforts, both sides continue to accuse each other of violating peace terms, and fighting has persisted.

In July, Congo and M23 signed a declaration of principles in Qatar, committing to end the conflict and finalize a comprehensive peace agreement. They aimed to have the deal completed by August 18 but missed the deadline, blaming each other for breaches of the agreement.

Massad Boulos, senior adviser to U.S. President Donald Trump, attended the ceremony in Doha on Saturday. He described the framework agreement as a “starting point” and called it a “historic” opportunity.

“It is only the beginning, but we know the final outcome will be very fruitful,” Boulos said, highlighting the optimism surrounding the ongoing peace efforts.
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/world/3888465/congo-m23-peace-deal-bid-to-end-decades-long-conflict/