Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo –
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the M23 rebel group have agreed to create an international body to monitor and enforce a fragile ceasefire that has yet to take full effect.
The deal, signed in Doha through Qatari mediation, aims to bring oversight and accountability to peace efforts in the country’s volatile east, where M23—reportedly backed by Rwanda—controls significant areas of North and South Kivu, two of DRC’s most resource-rich provinces.
According to statements from Kinshasa, the Congolese government remains committed to ending the fighting, protecting civilians, and laying the groundwork for sustainable peace. Qatar’s Foreign Ministry hailed the agreement as a “pivotal step” and said the new body will investigate and verify ceasefire violations while working to prevent renewed hostilities.
The proposed oversight mechanism will include equal representation from the DRC government and M23, with participation from the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR). Qatar, the United States, and the African Union will serve as observers to ensure transparency and neutrality.
M23 leaders described the Doha accord as a “significant advancement” toward stability. However, reports from the eastern provinces indicate that fighting continues, with both sides accusing each other of violating previous ceasefire terms. The conflict has already displaced more than 7 million people, and earlier this year, M23 forces captured the cities of Goma and Bukavu, escalating regional tensions.
Source: Adapted Africanews
