The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the M23 armed group have signed a framework agreement in Doha, aimed at establishing a foundation for negotiations to end the ongoing violence in the eastern regions of the country. This pivotal agreement was formalized on Saturday, following months of intense conflict in the North and South Kivu provinces, which saw the M23 capture the regional capital, Goma, and expand their control over mineral-rich areas.
Framework establishes protocols for negotiation
Both delegations engaged in the negotiations indicated that the framework encompasses eight distinct protocols, each of which will be addressed in individual negotiations over the forthcoming weeks. Benjamin Mbonimpa, the lead negotiator for M23, emphasized that these protocols aim to tackle the underlying causes of the conflict, and completion of each protocol is essential before a comprehensive peace agreement can be finalized.
Qatar, which has facilitated multiple rounds of discussions since April, expressed that the framework signifies a step forward in stabilizing eastern Congo. However, a senior official involved in the mediation process pointed out that this marks merely the beginning of a more intricate negotiation phase. They noted that this agreement presents an opportunity for further deliberations on critical issues such as restoring state authority, implementing governance reforms, and facilitating the return of displaced civilians.
Challenges in implementation and regional tensions
While the document does not alter the current on-ground conditions, Mbonimpa asserted that the potential for progress lies in the orderly completion of each protocol. M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka highlighted one of the significant topics for negotiation: the joint management of areas currently under rebel control. This discussion has been previously addressed but not yet resolved.
The M23 operates with alleged support from neighboring Rwanda and is one of over 100 armed groups active in the region. The ongoing fighting has resulted in the displacement of approximately seven million people, with the United Nations categorizing the humanitarian crisis as one of the most severe globally. The security situation deteriorated sharply earlier this year when the M23 took control of Goma and Bukavu, two critical urban centers, which bolstered their negotiating power and escalated pressure on both regional and international mediators.
In July, Kinshasa and the M23 reached a declaration of principles that committed both parties to pursue a comprehensive peace agreement. This declaration called for restoring state authority in rebel-held cities and initiating prisoner exchanges. However, both parties failed to meet their August deadline for finalizing the complete agreement. In October, they established an oversight body intended to lay the groundwork for a potential permanent ceasefire, though disagreements over the execution of this plan persisted.
“This framework launches a longer process and gives both sides an opportunity to move towards a lasting settlement,” said senior US adviser Massad Boulos, who was present at the signing in Doha.
Despite the optimistic strides towards peace, regional tensions, particularly between Congo and Rwanda, continue to cast a shadow over the negotiations. Rwanda has been accused of exacerbating the conflict, a claim it denies while Kinshasa maintains that Rwanda is indeed backing the rebels. In response, Washington has intensified its mediation efforts between the two nations, which led to a separate bilateral agreement earlier this year.
The newly established framework provides a roadmap for de-escalation, yet its effectiveness will heavily depend on the commitment of both parties to advance negotiations and the reduction of hostilities in areas where civilians remain at risk of fleeing. The conflict has resulted in significant casualties and has created one of the world’s most pressing humanitarian crises.