A framework agreement for a peace deal was signed on Saturday between the Congolese government and the M23 rebel group, backed by Rwanda. This development marks another attempt to resolve the long-standing conflict in eastern Congo, which has persisted for decades. The signing took place in Doha and followed mediation efforts from Qatar and the United States.
The M23 group seized control of Goma and Bukavu earlier this year, intensifying the conflict in a region already home to over 100 armed factions vying for dominance in its mineral-rich territories. According to the United Nations, the violence has contributed to the displacement of approximately 7 million people, making it one of the most complex humanitarian crises worldwide.
Benjamin Mbonimpa, head of the M23 delegation, emphasized that the recent agreement is a preliminary framework rather than a final peace agreement. In a video posted on social media platform X, he stated, “There will be neither any change in the situation on the ground, nor any activity whatsoever, until the measures are debated, negotiated and discussed one by one.”
The framework includes eight measures deemed essential for establishing a comprehensive peace agreement. Two of these measures—concerning the release of prisoners and the formation of a ceasefire oversight body—were previously agreed upon in September and October. The remaining six measures will involve discussions on critical issues such as the restoration of state authority in areas controlled by rebels, humanitarian access, and the resettlement of refugees. The Congolese government indicated that negotiations on these matters will take place over the next two weeks.
Qatar has facilitated multiple rounds of dialogue since April, focusing on laying the groundwork for a lasting peace deal and fostering confidence-building measures. Despite these efforts, both parties have continued to accuse each other of violating the terms of prior agreements, and hostilities have not abated.
In July, Congo and M23 signed a declaration of principles in Qatar, which aimed to end the conflict and set a timeline for a comprehensive peace agreement by August 18, 2023. However, this deadline was missed, with each side blaming the other for breaches of the agreement.
At the signing ceremony in Doha, Massad Boulos, a senior adviser to former US President Donald Trump, described the framework agreement as a “starting point.” He expressed optimism about the potential outcomes, referring to it as a “historic” opportunity for peace. The Trump administration has previously engaged in mediation efforts between Rwanda and Congo, leading to a peace deal between the two nations in June 2023.
While the signing of the framework agreement represents a hopeful step towards peace, the path forward remains fraught with challenges. Both the Congolese government and M23 must navigate a complex landscape of regional politics and ongoing violence as they work to implement the terms of the agreement.
