DRCongo, M23 armed group sign ceasefire deal in Qatar
The truce was agreed in a Declaration of Principles signed by the two sides after three months of talks in the Qatari capital, Doha, which follows a separate Congolese-Rwandan peace deal signed in Washington last month.
"The Parties commit to uphold their commitment to a permanent ceasefire," including refraining from "hate propaganda" and "any attempt to seize by force new positions", a statement said.
The African Union hailed it as a "significant development", adding: "This... marks a major milestone in the ongoing efforts to achieve lasting peace, security, and stability in eastern DRC and the wider Great Lakes region".
The M23, which seized vast swathes of mineral-rich territory in eastern DRC in a lightning offensive in January and February, had insisted on seeking its own ceasefire deal with Kinshasa.
It said the Washington deal left out various "problems" that still needed to be addressed.
The warring parties agreed to open negotiations on a comprehensive peace agreement.
The deal also includes a roadmap for restoring state authority in eastern DRC.
Eastern DRC has been racked by conflict for more than three decades, creating a humanitarian crisis and forcing hundreds of thousands of people from their homes.
Thousands were killed in the M23 offensive earlier this year, which saw the group capture the key provincial capitals of Goma and Bukavu.
The front line had stabilised since February, but fighting was still breaking out regularly between the M23 and multiple pro-government militias.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Roya News
a day ago
- Roya News
Hamas insists on UN-led Gaza aid delivery in ceasefire talks: Hebrew media
Hamas is demanding that humanitarian aid to Gaza be delivered under United Nations supervision, without the involvement of the US-linked 'Gaza Humanitarian Foundation,' and that the buffer zone be smaller than what 'Israel' has proposed, according to 'Israeli' media reports. Channel 12 quoted an unnamed 'Israeli' source familiar with the Doha negotiations as saying that Tuesday night's meeting between Qatari and Egyptian mediators and Hamas representatives ended without results. The source claimed mediators rejected Hamas's response, deeming it unsatisfactory, and asked the group to provide an improved reply by Wednesday. Hamas and the mediators have not issued public comments. According to the same source, Hamas also requested: UN-managed humanitarian aid entry with no role for the U.S.-affiliated foundation A reduced buffer zone size The release of more Palestinian detainees per 'Israeli' captive Clearer guarantees for ending the war And the return of displaced Gazans via the Rafah crossing Indirect negotiations between Hamas and 'Israel' have been ongoing in Doha since July 6, mediated by Qatar and Egypt with US support. On Saturday, a Palestinian source stated that Hamas had received new maps from the mediators showing 'Israeli' control zones in Gaza, which it is currently reviewing. On Monday, Hamas announced it was continuing consultations with Palestinian factions to reach an 'honorable agreement' that would halt the aggression, support reconstruction, lift the siege, and ensure a dignified life for Gazans. These talks follow more than 21 months of intermittent negotiations, during which two partial agreements were reached: one in November 2023, and another in January 2025. Netanyahu, under international arrest warrants, resumed the war on March 18 after halting the implementation of the latest agreement. Hamas has consistently stated its readiness to release all 'Israeli' captives in exchange for a total ceasefire and the full withdrawal of 'Israeli' forces from Gaza. The 'Israeli' opposition accuses Netanyahu of deliberately avoiding a comprehensive deal to prolong the war for political gain and to placate far-right members of his coalition.
Roya News
a day ago
- Roya News
Hamas submits response to ceasefire proposal
Two Palestinian sources familiar with the ongoing negotiations confirmed Wednesday that Hamas has submitted its official response to mediators regarding the proposed ceasefire in Gaza. The response includes key amendments, most notably a demand for guarantees of a permanent ceasefire with 'Israel'. One of the sources told AFP that Hamas and other resistance factions delivered their reply to the mediators, which includes 'amendments aimed at achieving a lasting ceasefire.' According to the source, Hamas's response primarily addresses the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza, maps outlining the withdrawal of 'Israeli' forces, and guarantees for a complete end to the war. A second Palestinian official familiar with the talks described Hamas's response as 'positive,' affirming the contents shared by the first source. The group also reportedly requested changes to the proposed withdrawal maps, insisting that 'Israeli' forces retreat from residential areas and Salah al-Din Road - a vital north-south artery - while allowing troops to remain no deeper than 800 meters within Gaza's eastern and northern borders. Additionally, Hamas called for an increase in the number of Palestinian prisoners with life or long-term sentences to be released in exchange for each living 'Israeli' soldier. The official noted that negotiations will continue until a final agreement is reached. For the third consecutive week, indirect talks between Hamas and 'Israel' are ongoing in Doha, with Qatari, US, and Egyptian mediation. The current proposal under discussion includes a 60-day truce during which captives held in Gaza would be released in stages in exchange for the release of hundreds of Palestinian detainees. Hamas has consistently insisted that any agreement must include guarantees for a permanent end to the war - a demand that Tel Aviv has so far rejected, maintaining that a full ceasefire is contingent on the dismantling of Hamas's military infrastructure.
Jordan News
a day ago
- Jordan News
Bazeshkian: 'Israel Tried to Assassinate Me, and This Is What Trump Wants from Iran' - Jordan News
Iranian President Masoud Bazeshkian declared in an interview with Al Jazeera, 'We are prepared for any Israeli military action, and our forces are ready to strike deep inside Israel once again.' اضافة اعلان Bazeshkian stated that Israel had delivered strong blows to Iran, but Tehran also struck deep into Israeli territory—strikes he said Israel hides and refuses to publicly acknowledge, adding, 'Their request for a ceasefire says a lot.' He dismissed claims that Iran's nuclear program has ended as nothing more than an illusion. 'We do not seek war, nor do we assume the ceasefire is permanent, but we will defend ourselves with full force,' Bazeshkian said. He accused Israel of attempting to destabilize, dismantle, and eliminate Iran through chaos and attacks on the regime, but said those efforts had failed. He acknowledged that Iran has experienced breaches, but stressed that technology and the use of American capabilities are the determining factors. Bazeshkian reiterated, 'Iran has not and will not surrender, and this is clear to everyone. But we believe in diplomacy and dialogue.' He added, 'Any future negotiations must follow a win-win logic.' The Iranian president pointed out that regional countries had never shown such unified support for Iran as they did during the most recent war. He firmly stated, 'We completely reject the possession of nuclear weapons—this is our political, religious, humanitarian, and strategic stance.' He also remarked, 'Trump says Iran must not acquire nuclear weapons—we accept that as well.' However, Bazeshkian emphasized that uranium enrichment on Iranian soil would continue in accordance with international law, saying, 'Claims that our nuclear program has ended are delusional. Our nuclear capability lies in the minds of our scientists—not just in facilities.' He also affirmed, 'We are fully prepared to establish a joint collective security concept with our Arab neighbors and other countries in the region.' On Qatar, Bazeshkian clarified, 'We have never attacked Qatar, nor can we. Qatar is our sister, and its people are our brothers—we support them fully.' He stressed that Iran's strikes were aimed at a U.S. base that had bombed Iran, not at Qatar or its citizens. 'I understand the feelings and position of the Qatari people regarding what happened,' Bazeshkian said, noting he had spoken by phone with the Emir of Qatar, adding, 'All our intentions toward Qatar are positive, fraternal, and we are ready to help in any way they need.' Regarding an assassination attempt, Bazeshkian revealed, 'The incident was part of Israel's efforts to assassinate political leaders after targeting military ones.'
