Congo and the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have signed a Qatar-brokered declaration of principles to end hostilities in eastern DRC, marking the first major agreement in years.
The agreement calls for an immediate ceasefire, formal peace negotiations by August 18, and mechanisms to restore state control.
It follows a US-brokered pathway deal signed in Washington in June.
Despite the hopeful sign-off, key points remain unresolved, including troop withdrawals, release of detainees, banking access in rebel areas, and rebel exit from Goma.
The conflict, deeply rooted in genocide, displacement, and control over mineral wealth, has displaced over seven million people and killed thousands.
International actors including the US, AU, and UN are cautiously optimistic, but the stakes are high.
With a full peace deal due by mid-August, the real test lies in implementing the ceasefire, restoring stability, and avoiding a return to violence.
