The AFC/M23 coalition and the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo are expected to sign an agreement this Saturday outlining the “basic principles” aimed at ending the war the two sides have been fighting for more than three years.
The agreement is to be signed in Doha, Qatar, where both parties have been holding talks under the mediation of the Qatari monarchy.
The Kinshasa–AFC talks have also been closely monitored by the United States, which, according to sources, has recently exerted pressure on both sides to reach an agreement.
Among the attendees is Massad Boulos, President Donald Trump’s advisor on African affairs.
Reports indicate that the signing ceremony was initially scheduled for last night, but it was postponed to midday Saturday.
A senior DRC government official involved in the talks told Reuters that the agreement on the basic principles was reached following face-to-face discussions between Kinshasa and the AFC/M23, along with Qatari diplomatic efforts.
According to the official, the agreement includes an immediate ceasefire and expresses a “commitment to begin formal negotiations for a comprehensive peace deal in the near future.”
Regarding the ceasefire, both sides have agreed to halt all attacks—by air, land, or water.
The preliminary document also requires the parties to return to the negotiating table within 10 days of signing.
Kinshasa and the AFC/M23 have also agreed on a roadmap for a permanent ceasefire and a process for restoring government authority in eastern Congo once the agreement is finalized.
A rebel source who spoke to Reuters said the agreement does not include any requirement for troops to be withdrawn.
Other provisions in the preliminary agreement include an end to hate speech and a halt to any attempts to seize new territories.
