The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the M23 rebel group agreed on Tuesday to set up an international body to monitor a ceasefire they agreed to in July but which has so far failed to end the fighting.
The M23, which is backed by Rwanda, occupies large parts of North Kivu and South Kivu provinces in Congo’s mineral-rich east.
in a statement on
Qatar, US and African Union will help monitor the ceasefire
Congolese officials said the agreement was signed in Doha after mediation by Qatar.
Qatar’s Foreign Ministry said the mechanism would “investigate and verify reported violations… and communicate with relevant parties to prevent the resumption of hostilities.”
It described the agreement as an “important step” towards a comprehensive peace agreement in eastern Congo.
The ministry said Qatar, the United States and the African Union will participate in the mechanism as observers.
The body will include equal numbers of representatives from the Congolese government and the M23, as well as representatives from the 12-nation International Conference on the Great Lakes Region.
M23 spokesman Lawrence Kanyuka described the agreement as “significant progress” in a post on X.
What is the conflict in eastern DRC?
M23 is one of more than 100 armed groups operating in eastern Congo.
According to the United Nations, about 7 million people have been displaced by the conflict.
Earlier this year, the group captured the major cities of Goma, the provincial capital of North Kivu, and Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu.
Congo signed a ceasefire agreement with the rebel group in Doha in July, but fighting continues and the agreement has yet to yield any results.
The M23 and Congo missed an August 18 deadline to finalize a peace deal, with both sides accusing the other of violating peace terms.
Congo also signed a peace agreement with Rwanda in June. M23, while supported by Kigali, was not party to the deal.
Edited by: Zack Crellin