DRC and M23 Seal Doha Pact as Peace Step, But Major Challenges Linger

The Republic of the Congo and the M23 armed group reached a preliminary agreement in Doha on Saturday, outlining a plan for discussions inte...

The Republic of the Congo and the M23 armed group reached a preliminary agreement in Doha on Saturday, outlining a plan for discussions intended to halt hostilities in the nation's conflict-ridden eastern region.

The Doha framework follows several months of fierce conflict in the North and South Kivu regions, which intensified at the start of this year when the M23 group took control of the regional capital, Goma, and occupied large areas rich in minerals.

Delegations from both parties stated that the document outlines eight protocols which will be discussed separately in the coming weeks. As per Benjamin Mbonimpa, M23's lead negotiator, these protocols tackle the underlying reasons for the conflict and each must be finalized before a comprehensive peace agreement can be reached.

Qatar, which has organized multiple discussion sessions since April, stated that the framework represents progress in stabilizing eastern Congo but emphasized that the process is now entering a more detailed stage.

As per a high-ranking Qatari representative engaged in the mediation process, the agreement paves the way for additional discussions on matters such as reinstating governmental control, implementing administrative changes, and facilitating the return of displaced residents.

The official stated that the framework "is not the final destination" and emphasized that both parties will be accountable for executing its terms while discussions remain ongoing.

The document does not alter the current situation on the ground for the time being; nevertheless, Mbonimpa stated that advancement will rely on the step-by-step fulfillment of each protocol.

Co-management of contested regions under discussion

M23 representative Lawrence Kanyuka mentioned that one of the main issues under discussion is the shared administration of regions currently controlled by the rebels, a concept both parties have previously explored without reaching a conclusion.

M23, active in eastern Congo with support from nearby Rwanda, is among over 100 armed factions operating in the area. Conflict has forced approximately seven million individuals to flee, and the United Nations still characterizes the humanitarian crisis as one of the worst globally.

The security situation worsened significantly earlier this year after M23 took control of Goma and Bukavu, two key cities in North and South Kivu. These gains enhanced the group's bargaining power and intensified pressure on regional and international negotiators.

In July, Kinshasa and M23 signed a statement of principles that pledged to achieve a full peace deal. The text emphasized reestablishing government control in urban areas held by the rebel group and outlined the exchange of prisoners.

However, both parties failed to meet their August deadline for finalizing the complete agreement. In October, they established an oversight committee intended to pave the way for a potential lasting ceasefire, yet disputes regarding implementation persisted.

The United States welcomes the framework for peace talks in Doha.

A senior US advisor, Massad Boulos, who was present at the ceremony in Doha, stated that the agreement initiates a prolonged process and offers both parties "a chance to work towards a permanent resolution," while recognizing that significant discussions still lie ahead.

Although there appears to be progress towards peace, ongoing regional conflicts between Congo and Rwanda still cast a shadow over the discussions.

Kigali, accused of inciting the conflict, denies providing support to M23, whereas Kinshasa claims that Rwanda backs the rebels. Washington has increased its efforts in mediating between the two nations, resulting earlier this year in a distinct bilateral agreement.

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• The Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda reach an agreement in Washington to put an end to a long-standing conflict.

The updated framework presents a route to reduce tensions, but its effectiveness will rely on whether both parties commit to the subsequent stage of discussions and whether hostilities decrease in regions where people remain displaced.

The war has resulted in thousands of deaths and forced hundreds of thousands to flee, leading to one of the most severe humanitarian emergencies globally.