Doha: The Democratic Republic of Congo and M23 rebels have signed a ceasefire deal in Qatar to end fighting between the warring sides. Dubbed the Declaration of Principles, the agreement outlines commitments by both parties to refrain from attacks, "hate propaganda," and any attempts to "seize by force new positions on the ground." This ceasefire is intended as a roadmap toward a permanent settlement.

According to BBC, DR Congo spokesperson Patrick Muyaya stated that the deal took the government's "red line" into account, including the "non-negotiable withdrawal" of the M23 from occupied areas. However, M23 negotiator Benjamin Mbonimpa, in a video posted on X, remarked that the deal did not mention such a pull-out. This agreement marks the first direct accord between the two sides since the rebels launched their offensive at the beginning of the year.

Qatar announced that negotiations were set to continue, while the African Union Commission described the declaration as a "milestone" in efforts to achieve lasting peace and security in the region. The declaration also outlines a commitment to reinstating state authority in eastern DR Congo. This move is seen as critical for the region's stability, given the history of failed peace deals.

The current conflict involves the M23 rebels, a group that emerged from a failed peace deal 16 years ago, which did not deliver on demobilization. In March, DR Congo's President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame met in Qatar, both calling for an immediate ceasefire. Despite a ceasefire agreement facilitated by Qatar in the following month, fighting continued on the ground.

The Washington deal, established in June, faced widespread criticism, as a key incentive for U.S. intervention appeared to be access to DR Congo's vast mineral wealth. Former U.S. President Trump boasted of this achievement. There has been speculation about Tshisekedi and President Kagame traveling to Washington to meet Trump; however, no date has been set for this potential meeting.