Peace Framework Signed Between DR Congo and M23

Agreement Details

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) government and the M23 rebel group have signed a peace framework agreement in Qatar. According to Massad Boulos, the US Africa envoy, the document encompasses eight protocols, with most requiring further development. Boulos also noted that implementation of prisoner exchanges and ceasefire monitoring has progressed slower than initially anticipated.

Conflict Background

Earlier this year, the M23 captured the cities of Goma and Bukavu in the eastern region of DR Congo. Previous attempts to achieve a lasting peace in the area have not succeeded. Qatar, in collaboration with the United States and the African Union, has been actively mediating efforts to end decades of conflict in the mineral-rich eastern DR Congo.

Key Positions and Demands

The Kinshasa government is requesting the withdrawal of Rwandan troops from its territory. In response, Kigali has stated that such a withdrawal could occur once the Congo-based FDLR rebel militia is disbanded. The FDLR is largely composed of ethnic Hutus associated with the 1994 Rwandan genocide. Rwanda denies providing support to the M23 and maintains that its military presence in the region is a defensive measure against threats posed by armed groups, including the FDLR.

Framework Provisions and Prior Negotiations

The recently signed framework also addresses humanitarian access, the return of displaced populations, and the protection of the judiciary, as reported by AFP, quoting Boulos. This agreement builds upon a declaration of principles signed by both parties in Doha in July, alongside a subsequent deal reached last month in the same city concerning the monitoring of a potential ceasefire.

In June, talks facilitated by Washington between Rwanda and DR Congo resulted in a peace deal. While initially welcomed by then-US President Donald Trump, this agreement was subsequently violated by the parties involved. The M23, a significant party in the conflict, was not directly included in the US-brokered ceasefire agreement. The group has consistently expressed preference for the Qatar-mediated talks, asserting that they aim to address the "root causes" of the conflict.

Impact of the Conflict

The conflict escalated in January when M23 rebels gained control of substantial areas of eastern DR Congo, including the regional capital, Goma, the city of Bukavu, and two airports. Since January, the conflict has resulted in thousands of fatalities and displaced hundreds of thousands of civilians from their homes. Following these territorial losses, the government in Kinshasa reportedly sought assistance from the United States, with reports suggesting offers of access to critical minerals, such as coltan, vital for global electronics industries, in exchange for security guarantees.