Rwandan-backed M23 rebels are expected to agree to an immediate ceasefire with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) government in Qatar later on Saturday, according to an official familiar with the negotiations.
The ceasefire forms part of a broader “Declaration of Principles” set to be signed by both sides after three months of talks in the Gulf nation, the official told AFP.
The M23 armed group, which launched a major offensive in January and February to seize large swathes of mineral-rich territory in eastern DRC, had sought a separate ceasefire arrangement with Kinshasa. This followed Rwanda’s signing of a U.S.-brokered peace deal in Washington last month.
“The Declaration includes an agreement for an immediate ceasefire, a commitment to begin formal negotiations on a comprehensive peace accord, and consensus on a mechanism for a permanent ceasefire,” the official said late Friday.
It also outlines a “roadmap for restoring state authority in eastern DRC once a peace agreement is signed,” the official added.
Eastern DRC has been plagued by conflict for more than three decades, with armed violence creating one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. The resurgence of the M23 rebellion earlier this year led to the deaths of thousands and the capture of key provincial cities, including Goma and Bukavu.
Although frontlines have remained largely stable since February, sporadic clashes continue between M23 fighters and pro-government militias.