A new ceasefire agreement signed in Qatar has restored hope for peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) following years of violent conflict with the M23 rebel group.
The agreement, called the Declaration of Principles, marks the first formal deal between the two sides since M23 launched its offensive at the start of the year.
The document, seen by the BBC, commits both parties to end hostilities, refrain from hate propaganda, and avoid seizing new territory by force. It outlines a clear roadmap aimed at securing a lasting peace in the mineral-rich eastern region of the DRC.
Under the terms of the declaration, both parties have agreed to implement the initial provisions by July 29, with a final peace agreement expected by August 18. This final deal must be consistent with a U.S brokered agreement reached last month between DRC and Rwanda a nation long accused by Kinshasa of supporting M23, claims Kigali denies.
Years of turmoil escalated earlier this year when M23 fighters captured key towns including Goma and Bukavu, along with two major airports.
The United Nations reports that the fighting has claimed thousands of lives and displaced hundreds of thousands more M23 disputes the death toll, insisting fewer than 1,000 people have died.
DR Congo government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya emphasized that the agreement respects the country’s non-negotiable conditions, particularly the full withdrawal of M23 forces from occupied territories. However, M23 negotiator Benjamin Mbonimpa appeared to contradict this in a video posted on social media, saying the deal makes no mention of such a withdrawal.
Despite the double talk, the African Union Commission hailed the agreement as a milestone in the push for long-term peace and stability in the Great Lakes region. The declaration also affirms a commitment to restoring government authority in the contested eastern provinces.
However, skepticism lingers the region has witnessed multiple failed peace initiatives, and the M23 itself is a product of a broken peace accord signed 16 years ago one that never delivered on de escalation and reintegration.
The latest development comes amid reports that the United States’ renewed involvement is partly driven by strategic interests in the DRC’s vast mineral reserves. Former President Donald Trump reportedly took credit for the recent Washington-led deal and hinted at hosting both Tshisekedi and Kagame for a meeting though no date has been confirmed.
For now, the spotlight remains on whether the parties will honor their commitments and usher in genuine peace or if this ceasefire will join the long list of broken promises in the DRC’s troubled history.