Congo and M23 Rebels Aim for Peace Deal by August 18 After Talks in Qatar

 

Congo and M23 Rebels Aim for Peace Deal by August 18 After Talks in Qatar

The Democratic Republic of Congo and the M23 rebel group have pledged to sign a peace agreement by August 18, following months of mediation led by Qatar. Both parties signed a declaration of principles in Doha on Saturday, setting a timeline to finalize the deal. This marks a notable shift, as Congo had previously refused to negotiate directly with M23, labeling them a terrorist group. The Qatari-brokered breakthrough follows a surprise March meeting between Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame. That meeting resulted in calls for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire.

The United States has played a parallel role in pushing for peace by hosting talks between Congo and Rwanda. Former President Donald Trump also met with the foreign ministers of both countries at the White House and reportedly invited both presidents to Washington for broader agreements, including economic deals. The U.S. hopes a stable Congo could encourage more Western investment, especially in the country's vast mineral resources such as gold, cobalt, copper, lithium, and tantalum.

Meanwhile, M23 continues to control large areas in eastern Congo, including Goma, with thousands killed and hundreds of thousands displaced. Although Rwanda denies aiding the rebel group, Congo insists on M23’s complete withdrawal as a non-negotiable point in any future peace deal.

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Despite the positive momentum, key challenges remain unresolved. The declaration of principles signed in Doha does not directly tackle major sticking points such as M23’s withdrawal from occupied territories, Rwanda’s alleged involvement, or the status of M23 prisoners. Instead, it outlines a vague commitment to create the conditions needed for such steps in the future. The Congolese government continues to demand the full restoration of state authority over all its national territory.

Confidence-building measures like reopening banks in rebel-held areas and releasing M23 prisoners are still pending, with both delegations frustrated over the slow pace of progress. According to the declaration, full negotiations toward a peace agreement are set to begin no later than August 8, leaving less than two weeks to finalize a deal by the new deadline of August 18.

At Saturday’s ceremony, Qatar’s Foreign Affairs Minister described the agreement as the beginning of a new phase of national unity and inclusion. The statement emphasized the need for armed groups to prioritize the national interest. Trump adviser Massad Boulos told Reuters that both Tshisekedi and Kagame remain committed to the peace process.

If a final agreement is reached, it could represent a major turning point in one of Africa’s most complex and deadly conflicts, offering hope for lasting stability in eastern Congo. However, failure to resolve core issues in time could stall the process once again.