**Historic Peace Deal Signed Between DRC and M23 Rebels, Paving Way for End to Decades-Long Conflict in Eastern Congo**
In a significant step toward peace, the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the M23/AFC rebel group have officially signed the Doha Framework Agreement for Peace on Saturday, marking a critical turning point in the long-standing conflict that has plagued eastern Congo for over a decade.
The agreement, reached in Doha after months of intensive mediation by Qatar, is hailed by the DRC government as a “decisive step” toward achieving a just, inclusive, and sustainable peace in the region. The deal outlines eight key thematic areas crucial to resolving the crisis, including the release of prisoners, verification mechanisms for the ceasefire, guarantees for humanitarian aid, and the restoration of state authority.
Additional provisions in the framework focus on disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration of rebels, as well as strategies for economic recovery, the return of refugees, and justice and reconciliation efforts. The DRC government emphasized that detailed implementation protocols will follow in the coming weeks, offering a roadmap for how these commitments will be put into action.
The M23 insurgency has been one of the most persistent armed conflicts in the region, dating back to 2012 when former Congolese soldiers, disillusioned by the 2009 peace agreement, took up arms. Despite suffering a military defeat in 2013, the group resurfaced in 2021, seizing key territories in North Kivu and forcing hundreds of thousands of civilians to flee. The conflict has also strained relations between the DRC and neighboring Rwanda, with Kinshasa accusing Kigali of supporting the rebels—an allegation Rwanda has consistently denied.
### Global Reactions
The agreement has drawn swift reactions from the international community, with many praising the efforts of Qatar and other stakeholders in the mediation process. French President Emmanuel Macron called the signing a “genuine opening for peace” and reaffirmed France’s support for regional stability. Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also welcomed the deal, describing it as a critical step toward addressing the root causes of the conflict.
Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed pride in its role as mediator, noting that the agreement builds on the Doha Declaration of Principles signed in July. Qatari officials pledged continued support for the parties as they move forward with the next phase, which includes ceasefire verification, troop disengagement, and humanitarian access.
### What’s Next?
The Doha Framework Agreement sets the stage for technical work to follow, with diplomats anticipating the drafting of operational protocols and detailed timelines for troop disengagement and reintegration efforts. The agreement also includes provisions for establishing secure humanitarian corridors and improving civilian protection, which have been major challenges in previous peace efforts.
While the signing of the agreement is seen as a positive development, experts caution that the true test will lie in its implementation. Eastern DRC remains plagued by insecurity, and millions of civilians are still displaced by the ongoing violence. As such, the real measure of success will be whether the promises made in Doha translate into tangible improvements on the ground.
For now, the Doha Framework represents the latest—and perhaps most comprehensive—effort to bring an end to one of Africa’s most devastating conflicts. Whether it leads to a lasting peace remains to be seen, but the agreement offers a renewed hope for the people of eastern Congo and the entire region.
