DR Congo, M23 agree on mechanism to monitor ceasefire

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the M23 rebel group agreed on Tuesday to establish an international body to oversee the ceasefire they agreed to in July but which has so far failed to end the fighting.M23, which is backed by Rwanda, occupies large parts of the North Kivu and South Kivu provinces in Congo's mineral-rich east.In a statement on X, Kinshasa reaffirmed its "desire to achieve a cessation of hostilities, to guarantee the security of the population, and to prepare the conditions for a comprehensive and lasting peace agreement."

Qatar, US and African Union to help monitor ceasefire

Congolese officials said the deal was signed in Doha after mediation by Qatar.Qatar's foreign ministry said that the mechanism will "investigate and verify reported violations ... and communicate with relevant parties to prevent a resumption of hostilities."It described the deal as a "pivotal step" toward a comprehensive peace agreement in eastern Congo.Qatar, the United States of America and the African Union will participate in the mechanisms as observers, the ministry said.The body itself will consist of an equal number of representatives from the Congolese government and M23, as well as representatives from the 12-country International Conference on the Great Lakes Region.

M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka described the agreement as a "significant advancement" in a post on X.

What is the conflict in the eastern DRC?

M23 is one of the over 100 armed groups active in eastern Congo.Around 7 million people have been displaced in the conflict, according to the UN.Earlier this year, the group seized the major cities of Goma, the provincial capital of North Kivu, and Bukavu, which serves as South Kivu's capital.Congo signed a ceasefire agreement with the rebel group in Doha in July, but fighting is ongoing and the deal which has yet to produce results.M23 and Congo missed a deadline to finalise a peace deal on August 18, with both parties accusing each other of violating peace terms.Congo also signed a peace agreement with Rwanda in June. M23, while backed by Kigali, was not a party to the deal.