Congo and M23 Sign Framework for Peace in Qatar, More Steps Needed
The Democratic Republic of Congo and the M23 rebel group signed a framework agreement in Doha to end fighting in eastern Congo.
Doha: The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the M23 rebel group signed on Saturday a framework agreement for a peace deal aimed at ending the conflict in eastern Congo.
This agreement was conducted in Doha, Qatar's capital.
The signing is part of ongoing efforts supported by the United States and Qatar to end the decades-long conflict in the DRC that has threatened regional war on multiple occasions.
The framework comprises eight protocols, with six requiring further discussion and implementation details.
According to Massad Boulos, the US envoy for the region, while initial steps like prisoner exchanges and ceasefire monitoring have faced delays, this process is foundational for long-term peacebuilding efforts.
M23, a rebel group with historical ties to Rwanda, has been a significant player in eastern DRC's conflict, seizing control of key territories such as Goma.
Despite diplomatic engagements in Washington and Doha, the violence in eastern Congo continues.
The most recent incident involved reports of 28 deaths caused by Islamic State-affiliated militants in North Kivu province on Friday.
These talks have primarily addressed preconditions and confidence-building measures while leaving core issues unresolved.
October saw an agreement on ceasefire monitoring, marking progress but underscoring that more steps are essential to achieve lasting peace.
Qatar's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi, emphasized the importance of building peace through mutual respect and commitment.
While this development is seen as a step in the right direction by international stakeholders, it represents only one phase in a complex process to end hostilities and restore stability in the region.
This agreement was conducted in Doha, Qatar's capital.
The signing is part of ongoing efforts supported by the United States and Qatar to end the decades-long conflict in the DRC that has threatened regional war on multiple occasions.
The framework comprises eight protocols, with six requiring further discussion and implementation details.
According to Massad Boulos, the US envoy for the region, while initial steps like prisoner exchanges and ceasefire monitoring have faced delays, this process is foundational for long-term peacebuilding efforts.
M23, a rebel group with historical ties to Rwanda, has been a significant player in eastern DRC's conflict, seizing control of key territories such as Goma.
Despite diplomatic engagements in Washington and Doha, the violence in eastern Congo continues.
The most recent incident involved reports of 28 deaths caused by Islamic State-affiliated militants in North Kivu province on Friday.
These talks have primarily addressed preconditions and confidence-building measures while leaving core issues unresolved.
October saw an agreement on ceasefire monitoring, marking progress but underscoring that more steps are essential to achieve lasting peace.
Qatar's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi, emphasized the importance of building peace through mutual respect and commitment.
While this development is seen as a step in the right direction by international stakeholders, it represents only one phase in a complex process to end hostilities and restore stability in the region.
