Faith Nyasuguta
In a rare breakthrough for the troubled eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the government and the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group have signed a new ceasefire framework that many hope will finally end one of Africa’s most stubborn conflicts. The deal, announced in Doha, Qatar, comes after months of mediation by Qatari diplomats and support from the African Union and the United States.
Under the new Declaration of Principles, both sides have agreed to a permanent halt to all fighting – on land, in the air, and on water – and pledged to abandon sabotage, hate propaganda, and attempts to seize more territory by force. The framework also includes a detailed roadmap to restore full state authority in rebel-held areas like North Kivu, where M23 fighters have controlled key towns and trade routes for years.
Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi, hailed the signing as “a crucial step towards addressing the deep-rooted causes of conflict” and urged both sides to stick to the timeline and engage in final peace talks. These talks are expected to wrap up by August 1, with hopes of a binding peace deal soon after.
The United States, represented by Senior Advisor Massad Boulos, underlined that restoring national sovereignty is “a normal thing for any country” and called for patience and dialogue to secure long-term stability.
A major part of the agreement focuses on the humanitarian crisis triggered by years of fighting. It guarantees the safe, voluntary return of refugees and displaced families, along with cooperation with UN peacekeepers and regional bodies to protect civilians. Many families forced to flee Goma, Bukavu, and other eastern towns may finally see a path home.
However, skepticism remains. Critics warn that previous ceasefires have fallen apart quickly due to poor oversight, vague terms, and mutual distrust. Disputes have already emerged over whether M23 must withdraw fighters before full state control returns.
Still, for millions in eastern Congo weary of endless violence, even cautious optimism is welcome. If the Doha framework holds, it could signal a turning point for a region that has suffered unimaginable loss – and open the door to true peace at last.
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