Hope for peace as DRC and M23 rebels sign ceasefire deal
According to the signed declaration in Goma, both parties agreed to stop all hostilities with immediate effect.
A breakthrough has been reached in the conflict between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the March 23rd Movement (M23) rebels after both sides agreed to a ceasefire following peace talks held under the mediation of the State of Qatar.
The announcement, made through a joint statement released on Wednesday, marked a key step towards ending the violence in eastern DRC.
The peace talks, described as "frank and constructive," brought together representatives from the DRC government and the M23 rebels under the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC) framework.
According to the signed declaration in Goma, both parties agreed to stop all hostilities with immediate effect.
The statement emphasized the need to reject hate speech and intimidation and urged local communities to uphold the agreement.
"Both parties reaffirm their commitment to an immediate cessation of hostilities, a categorical rejection of any hate speech, intimidation, and call on all local communities to uphold these commitments," the declaration stated.
The spokesperson for political communication of the AFC, Lawrence Kanyuka, was among the signatories of the joint statement, which also highlighted the desire to use the ceasefire as a foundation for further dialogue.
"This dialogue will address the root causes of the ongoing crisis as well as the modalities for ending the conflict," the statement added.
Both sides committed to respecting the terms of the ceasefire not only during the peace process but also after its conclusion.
They appealed to the Congolese public, religious figures, and the media to support and share the message of peace and hope.
The statement also expressed appreciation for Qatar’s role in facilitating the talks, crediting the Gulf nation for its continuous efforts to encourage dialogue and understanding.
"The representatives of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the AFC/M23 express their sincere appreciation to the State of Qatar for its continued efforts and unwavering commitment in facilitating these peace talks, which helped in advancing dialogue and promoting mutual understanding," the statement read.
The agreement comes amid growing international concern over the prolonged conflict in eastern Congo, which has displaced thousands and caused a humanitarian crisis.