DOHA / QATAR: In a significant breakthrough towards ending years of conflict, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the M23 rebel group have signed a formal agreement in Doha to establish a monitoring mechanism for a “permanent ceasefire” in eastern Congo. The accord marks a critical step forward in the fragile peace process aimed at stabilizing the mineral-rich yet war-torn region.
The truce-monitoring pact, mediated by Qatar, comes after months of negotiations and follows earlier confidence-building measures, including a proposed prisoner exchange deal signed in September that remains only partially fulfilled. The new agreement, however, introduces a more structured framework to ensure compliance and accountability on both sides.
Under the terms of the deal, a Ceasefire Monitoring Committee will be formed, comprising representatives from the DRC government, the M23 movement, and the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) — a bloc of 12 African countries. The committee will convene its first session within seven days to investigate alleged violations and report findings to regional and international stakeholders.
The United Nations peacekeeping mission (MONUSCO) will assist with logistical coordination but will not hold an operational role, addressing M23’s concerns over neutrality. In addition, observers from the African Union, Qatar, and the United States will oversee implementation efforts to ensure transparency.
Despite this diplomatic progress, the situation on the ground remains volatile. Sporadic clashes persist in several parts of North Kivu, with both the Congolese army and M23 accusing each other of breaching earlier ceasefire pledges. Analysts warn that without genuine political commitment and tangible improvements in local security, the truce could face the same fate as previous failed attempts.
Nevertheless, the Doha accord has been welcomed by regional mediators as a hopeful sign that dialogue may finally gain traction after years of bloodshed and displacement that have forced over a million people from their homes.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.