DR Congo, M23 Sign Declaration for Permanent Ceasefire in East

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) government and the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group have signed a declaration of principles in Doha, Qatar, committing to a permanent ceasefire and setting a timeline for a final peace agreement by mid-August. This significant milestone, facilitated by Qatar and supported by the African Union and the United States, aims to end decades of conflict fueled by ethnic tensions and control over the region's mineral wealth. Despite the agreement, differing interpretations have emerged, with the Congolese government demanding the unconditional withdrawal of rebels from seized territories such as Goma, while M23 denies plans to leave these areas. The peace process aligns with a US-brokered deal between Congo and Rwanda, which critics say secures strategic mineral access for the US in exchange for a fragile peace. International actors view the Doha declaration as a rare opportunity to achieve lasting peace, although skepticism remains among local populations awaiting concrete improvements. Efforts continue to build trust through measures like prisoner exchanges and restoring state authority in rebel-held areas, with ongoing negotiations expected to culminate in a comprehensive peace deal.