Framework agreement covers eight protocols; work still needed on implementation
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the M23 rebel group signed a framework agreement on Saturday in Doha, Qatar, aimed at ending fighting in eastern Congo that has killed thousands and displaced hundreds of thousands this year.
The agreement, signed by representatives from both sides at a formal ceremony, lays out eight protocols to guide the peace process. Officials from the United States and Qatar described the framework as an important step, but stressed that additional work is needed to implement six of the protocols.
The top U.S. envoy to the region, Massad Boulos, acknowledged that progress on the first two protocols—covering the exchange of prisoners and monitoring of a ceasefire—has been slow. “This is a process… not a light switch that you just switch on and off,” he said.
M23, which has received support from neighbouring Rwanda, seized Goma, eastern Congo’s largest city, in January and expanded its control across North and South Kivu provinces. Rwanda has repeatedly denied providing assistance to the group.
Despite the ongoing peace talks, violence in eastern Congo continues. On Friday, local officials reported at least 28 people killed by militants aligned with the Islamic State in North Kivu province.
Qatar has hosted multiple rounds of talks between the Congolese government and M23 since April, focusing on preconditions and confidence-building measures. In July, the sides agreed on a declaration of principles, and in October they reached a deal on ceasefire monitoring.
Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi, said the framework agreement sets the parties on a path to peace. “Peace cannot be enforced by force, but is built through confidence, mutual respect and sincere commitment,” he said.