Congo and M23 Rebels Reach Tentative Agreement to End Fighting, But Key Issues Remain

 DOHA/KINSHASA  – The Democratic Republic of Congo and the M23 rebel group have agreed to a declaration of principles aimed at halting the ongoing conflict in eastern Congo, marking a significant step forward after months of Qatari-mediated negotiations, according to four diplomatic sources familiar with the talks.

The agreement, expected to be formally signed on Saturday in Doha, outlines key commitments including an immediate ceasefire and a framework for future peace negotiations. However, the declaration stops short of resolving several critical issues—most notably, the status of M23 troops in eastern Congo and the terms of their potential withdrawal.

The move comes amid intensified U.S. diplomatic pressure to finalize a peace process that could open the door to substantial Western investment in Congo’s resource-rich eastern provinces, which hold vast deposits of tantalum, gold, cobalt, copper, and lithium—minerals vital to global tech and energy sectors.

Background: A Conflict Fueled by Regional Tensions

Backed by Rwanda, according to U.N. and Western officials, M23 fighters launched a renewed offensive earlier this year, seizing Goma, the largest city in eastern Congo, and making rapid territorial gains across North and South Kivu provinces. The resurgence has resulted in the deaths of thousands and the displacement of hundreds of thousands, with multiple regional powers deploying troops to contain the violence.

Efforts to initiate dialogue saw a breakthrough in March when Qatar brokered a surprise meeting between Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame. The two leaders jointly called for an "immediate and unconditional" ceasefire—a move that paved the way for direct negotiations between the Congolese government and M23 representatives, held in Doha.

Congo had previously refused to negotiate with M23, labelling the group a terrorist organization.

Declaration Details and Unresolved Challenges

Sources close to the negotiations confirmed that the Doha declaration includes an agreement on the cessation of hostilities, and a roadmap for the restoration of state authority in rebel-held areas once a comprehensive peace agreement is reached. The declaration also outlines plans to establish a mechanism for a permanent ceasefire.

However, a senior M23 official noted that the document does not reference troop withdrawals, a key sticking point in the talks. Delegation sources from both sides expressed frustration over the slow progress on confidence-building measures, including the release of M23 detainees and reopening of banks in territories under rebel control.

“There are still many unresolved issues. This is only one step in the discussions,” said a senior Congolese official, citing the presence in Doha of Massad Boulos, a senior adviser to former U.S. President Donald Trump, who has been pushing for rapid progress.

Washington’s Role and the ‘Washington Accord’

Parallel to the Doha talks, Washington has taken a direct role in brokering peace between Congo and Rwanda. On June 27, the foreign ministers of both countries signed a bilateral deal during meetings in the U.S. capital and were hosted at the White House by President Trump.

Trump reportedly warned that “very severe penalties, financial and otherwise” would be imposed if either party violates the terms of the agreement. His administration is preparing for a high-level meeting—tentatively scheduled for late July—at which Presidents Tshisekedi and Kagame are expected to sign a package of diplomatic and economic agreements dubbed the “Washington Accord.”

Speaking on July 2, Boulos said the U.S. hopes to see the Doha declaration finalized before the Washington summit, calling it a critical prerequisite for long-term peace.

Accusations of External Support and the Regional Dimension

The United Nations, Congo, and several Western governments have repeatedly accused Rwanda of providing military and logistical support to M23. A confidential U.N. report obtained by Reuters earlier this month claims that Kigali exercised command and control over rebel units during key military operations.

Rwanda, for its part, denies backing M23, asserting that its military actions are defensive measures against the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR)—an armed group linked to perpetrators of the 1994 Rwandan genocide and accused of operating alongside Congo’s military.

As efforts to cement peace continue, the success of the Doha and Washington initiatives will depend on whether the parties can overcome deep-rooted mistrust and navigate the complex regional dynamics that have long fueled conflict in the eastern Congo.