DR Congo, Rwanda-backed rebels sign ceasefire declaration in Qatar

The Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda-backed rebels on Saturday signed a declaration of principles in Qatar to end decades-long fighting and commit to a comprehensive peace agreement that would include the restoration of state authorities in key eastern cities controlled by the insurgents.

Congo and the M23 rebels committed to “building trust” through various measures, including an exchange of prisoners and detainees as well as restoring state authority in all parts of the country, including rebel-held areas, Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al-Khulaifi, Qatar’s minister of state, said at a briefing.

It was not immediately clear if the declaration involves M23’s withdrawal from cities it controls, as the two parties seemed to interpret the agreement differently.

Bertrand Bisimwa, an M23 leader, said the declaration was “not a question of withdrawal but of mechanisms for empowering the state, enabling it to assume its prerogatives and obligations.” However, Congolese government spokesman Patrick Muyaya said the declaration took into account “the non-negotiable withdrawal” of the rebels, followed by the deployment of government forces and institutions. Both officials posted their statements on social media.

Backed by neighbouring Rwanda, the M23 is the most prominent of more than 100 armed groups fighting for control in Congo’s mineral-rich east. With 7 million people displaced in Congo, the UN had called the conflict in eastern Congo “one of the most protracted, complex, serious humanitarian crises on Earth”.

Saturday’s signing is the first direct commitment by both sides since the rebels seized two key cities in eastern Congo in a major advance early this year. A final peace deal is to be signed no later than August 18, and “shall align with the Peace Agreement between Congo and Rwanda,” facilitated by the US in June, according to a copy of the declaration seen by Associated Press.