MWE Correspondent
The Congolese government and the M23 rebel group have agreed to establish an international mechanism to oversee their ceasefire agreement.
The accord, signed in Doha, Qatar, under the mediation of the Qatari government, aims to prevent further clashes and ensure compliance with the peace terms.
According to Congolese officials, the monitoring body will include equal representation from the DRC government and M23, as well as representatives from the 12-member International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR). Observers from Qatar, the United States, and the African Union will also participate to maintain transparency and credibility.
The agreement builds on a previous July 2025 ceasefire signed in Doha, which failed to fully halt the fighting in eastern Congo. That earlier accord, intended to stabilize the region, was undermined by ongoing clashes and missed deadlines, leaving millions displaced. Recent estimates indicate that over seven million people have fled their homes due to the fighting, which has also caused widespread disruption to local economies and humanitarian services.
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The M23, a rebel group accused of receiving support from neighboring Rwanda, has in recent months seized control of key cities, including Goma in North Kivu and Bukavu in South Kivu. The group’s territorial gains have contributed to the humanitarian crisis and complicated previous peace efforts.
Officials from both sides have described the creation of the monitoring mechanism as “a crucial step toward lasting peace.” However, challenges remain. Past agreements were repeatedly violated, and mutual distrust between the parties has been a persistent obstacle. The success of the new framework will depend on the commitment of all stakeholders to uphold the agreement and allow independent verification of compliance.
The international community has welcomed the latest development, highlighting the importance of multilateral involvement in fragile peace processes. Observers stress that consistent monitoring and dialogue will be essential to prevent renewed hostilities and create conditions for long-term stability in the region.
