The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the Rwanda-backed M23 militia signed a new peace framework in Qatar on Saturday, aiming to end the conflict that has devastated communities in eastern DRC.
Qatar, the United States, and the African Union have spent months negotiating to resolve the conflict in the mineral-rich eastern region, where M23 has captured key cities. Despite a ceasefire agreement signed in July, reports indicate that both sides have violated the truce.
The new agreement, called the Doha Framework for a Comprehensive Peace Agreement, contains eight chapters addressing the root causes of the conflict. M23 representative Benjamin Mbonimpa said the framework does not contain binding clauses and will not immediately change the situation on the ground.
US President Trump’s special envoy to Africa, Massad Boulos, emphasized that implementation is the most important aspect, which is why multiple oversight mechanisms have been established. The agreement covers key issues including ceasefire monitoring, humanitarian access, the return of displaced persons, and protection of the judiciary.
Since the end of 2021, M23 has resumed armed operations with Rwanda’s support, seizing territories in eastern DRC and causing a severe humanitarian crisis. Thousands of people were killed during offensives that captured the provincial capitals of Goma and Bukavu.
The Doha agreement follows a previous peace deal between DRC and Rwanda signed in Washington. Kinshasa has demanded the withdrawal of Rwandan troops, but Kigali says this depends on neutralizing the FDLR, an armed group of former Rwandan genocide leaders taking refuge in DRC.
Qatar’s chief negotiator, Mohammed Al-Khulaifi, described the agreement as historic, pledging continued efforts to achieve peace on the ground in eastern DRC.
