The government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the AFC/M23 have agreed to an immediate cessation of hostilities, as well as a categorical rejection of hate speech and intimidation in Eastern DRC. This development follows direct peace talks between delegations from both sides held in Doha, Qatar. The Qatar-mediated negotiations began in the first quarter of April. A joint statement released on Wednesday, April 23, emphasized that the talks were conducted in a spirit of mutual understanding and a shared commitment to resolving the conflict through peaceful means. “After fran

The government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the AFC/M23 have agreed to an immediate cessation of hostilities, as well as a categorical rejection of hate speech and intimidation in Eastern DRC. This development follows direct peace talks between delegations from both sides held in Doha, Qatar. The Qatar-mediated negotiations began in the first quarter of April. A joint statement released on Wednesday, April 23, emphasized that the talks were conducted in a spirit of mutual understanding and a shared commitment to resolving the conflict through peaceful means. “After frank and constructive discussions, representatives of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the AFC/M23 agreed to work toward concluding a truce that would strengthen the effectiveness of the ceasefire,” the statement read. “By mutual agreement, both parties reaffirm their commitment to an immediate cessation of hostilities, a categorical rejection of any hate speech or intimidation, and call on all local communities to uphold these commitments.” The dialogue will also address the root causes of the ongoing crisis, as well as the modalities for a long-term resolution to the conflict in eastern DRC. Since the beginning of 2024, M23 forces have taken control of the cities of Goma and Bukavu in eastern DRC, prompting government troops and their allies to either flee or surrender.

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