AP
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Congo and Rwandan-backed rebels signed a declaration of principles in Qatar on Saturday, ending decades of fighting in eastern Congo and committed to a permanent ceasefire and a comprehensive peace agreement a month later.
The final peace agreement is to be signed by August 18th, and according to a copy of the declaration seen by the Associated Press, it “conforms to the peace agreement between the Congo and Rwanda” promoted by the United States in June.
The Principles Agreement touches on most of the highlights of Rwanda, signed on June 27th. This is the first direct commitment by both sides since the rebels seized two major cities in eastern Congo with major advances.
Backed by neighbouring Rwanda, the M23 is the most prominent of over 100 armed groups fighting for domination in the Congolese mineral-rich East. With seven million people displaced in the Congo, the UN calls the conflict in eastern Congo “one of the most prolonged, complex and serious humanitarian crises on the planet.”
It was not immediately clear what specific terms and conditions of the final peace agreement would be or what concessions would be made. The M23 had sought the release of members held by the Congolese army, many of whom faced death sentences. The Congo had called for the rebels to withdraw from the territory that had been seized.
The key question is whether Rwanda will draw support for rebels, including thousands of troops that UN experts say are in eastern Congo.
When Rwanda and the Congo signed a peace agreement in Washington, Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Ndungayre said Rwanda agreed to lift “defensive measures.”
Analysts say it will be difficult for the M23 rebels to withdraw from the eastern cities of Congo and Bukabu, which were seized earlier this year.
