Faith Nyasuguta
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the M23 rebel group, part of the broader Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC), have agreed to stop fighting and work toward a truce aimed at halting the conflict that has ravaged eastern Congo since the start of 2024. This marks the most tangible breakthrough in years of failed ceasefires and ongoing violence.
In synchronized statements issued Wednesday night, both sides confirmed that negotiations held in Doha, Qatar, had led to a mutual commitment to ending hostilities. “After frank and constructive discussions, representatives of the Democratic Republic of Congo and the AFC/M23 agreed to work towards concluding a truce that would contribute to the effectiveness of a ceasefire,” the joint statement read.
For the first time, both the DRC government and the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group jointly pledged to cease hostilities and reject hate speech and intimidation. They also called on local communities to respect the commitments made during the talks.
The meetings, held earlier this month, were facilitated by Qatar, which has increased its diplomatic and economic engagement with both Rwanda and the DRC. This latest initiative follows a high-profile encounter last month between DRC President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame, also brokered by Qatar. Despite the leaders’ calls for a ceasefire, previous agreements, more than six since 2021, have repeatedly collapsed.
The new joint statement is seen as a cautious step forward. Delphin Ntanyoma, a peace and conflict researcher at the University of Leeds, acknowledged the international momentum behind the talks but raised concerns about implementation. “It’s going to be difficult to monitor the cessation of hostilities in such a volatile and inaccessible large region of the Kivus,” he said, referring to North and South Kivu provinces where most of the fighting has occurred.
Since January, M23 forces have made significant gains, overrunning key cities such as Goma and Bukavu. Their rapid advances have led to the deaths of thousands and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of civilians, worsening an already dire humanitarian situation.
International actors, including the United States, have accused Rwanda of supporting M23 to gain access to eastern Congo’s rich mineral reserves. Rwanda, however, continues to deny any involvement.
Despite progress, sources close to the talks noted that discussions were bogged down by disagreements over so-called “confidence-building measures.” One major sticking point was the M23’s demand for the release of prisoners held by the DRC on accusations of collaborating with Rwanda and M23 rebels.
“They are asking for too much,” a DRC government source said. “Our justice system is independent. We cannot give in to every whim. Crimes have been committed. Some people must pay.”
A representative from the rebel alliance acknowledged that these issues nearly derailed the talks altogether. “The impasse over prisoner releases became an insurmountable obstacle,” the source told reporters.
Ultimately, diplomatic pressure from Qatar compelled both sides to issue a unified statement affirming their intention to pursue a truce. While challenges remain, the Doha talks may represent a new opportunity for peace in a region long plagued by war.
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