Congo and Rwanda-backed rebels M23 sign framework for peace

Congo and the Rwandan-backed rebel group M23 have signed a draft peace deal, according to UN reports. International news agencies reported this on Saturday. The agreement aims to put an end to the ongoing violence in eastern Congo, which has killed thousands of people and displaced hundreds of thousands of others. The peace truce was signed in the Qatari capital Doha, where representatives of both sides met.

What started as a local uprising grew into a war over border politics, raw materials and geopolitical interests. M23, a Tutsi-led rebel group, is part of Rwanda’s proxy war. The group conquered large parts of eastern Congo, including Goma, the largest city in the area.

Since April, Qatar has organized several talks between the Congolese government and the rebels. In July, both sides agreed to a number of principles, but many core issues of the conflict remained unresolved. The intention to make peace on August 18 was not achieved. An agreement on a possible ceasefire was reached in October. A month later, both parties appear to want to take a further step towards peace.

Rwanda and Congo

In June, Rwanda and Congo signed a peace agreement, under the watchful eye of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. At the time, both sides promised a ceasefire, withdrawal of foreign soldiers, dismantling of armed groups and the safe return of refugees.

The rebel movement M23, which presents itself as a separate entity, was not at the meeting table at the time, meaning that Rwanda retained a de facto military presence in eastern Congo despite the agreement. The rebel group’s absence from the American peace process raised questions about the feasibility of the agreement.

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