The M23 rebel group and the Democratic Republic of Congo have signed a ceasefire agreement to end years of fighting in the country’s conflict-ridden eastern region.
The agreement was signed on Saturday in Doha, Qatar, and commits both parties to a permanent ceasefire. The deal also includes a pledge to refrain from hate speech and to stop any attempts to seize new territory by force.
The African Union welcomed the announcement, describing it as a “major milestone” in the broader efforts to bring lasting peace and stability to eastern DRC and the Great Lakes region.
M23 rebels launched a major offensive earlier this year, capturing strategic cities including Goma and Bukavu.
The campaign resulted in the deaths of thousands and forced hundreds of thousands of civilians to flee their homes, deepening the humanitarian crisis.
Despite a pause in major offensives since February, intermittent clashes between M23 fighters and pro-government militias have continued.
Eastern DRC has been plagued by conflict for over three decades, driven by ethnic tensions, regional rivalries, and the struggle over rich mineral resources.
Africanews/Kamila