The Democratic Republic of Congo and the M23 rebel group signed a framework agreement for a peace deal in Doha, Qatar, aiming to end the decades-long conflict in eastern Congo that has killed thousands and displaced hundreds of thousands.
The agreement, backed by the US and Qatar, covers eight protocols, but work remains to implement six of them.
US envoy Massad Boulos acknowledged slow progress on prisoner exchange and ceasefire monitoring.
The deal is part of ongoing efforts to end the conflict, which has threatened to escalate into a regional war.
Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi emphasized that peace must be built on confidence, mutual respect, and commitment.
Despite the agreement, violence continues in Congo, with 28 people killed by Islamic State-allied militants in North Kivu province.
The international community, including the African Union and European Union, has welcomed the deal as a significant step towards lasting peace.
