DR Congo and M23 Rebels Sign Ceasefire Deal to Halt Eastern Conflict

The agreement, signed Saturday, comes after months of deadly clashes that have killed thousands and displaced hundreds of thousands.

The fighting, rooted in post-1994 Rwandan genocide tensions, intensified after M23 launched a major assault in January, capturing key eastern cities. M23 is largely composed of ethnic Tutsi fighters and has long been accused of receiving support from Rwanda—allegations Kigali denies.

The DRC had previously refused to negotiate with M23, labeling them a terrorist organization. However, both sides agreed in April to work toward a ceasefire. The new declaration, while lacking details on rebel and Rwandan troop withdrawals, states that government authority should be restored across all Congolese territory. Talks for a final peace agreement are set to begin no later than August 8, with an August 18 deadline.

Government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya emphasized the deal preserves the DRC’s demand for the “non-negotiable withdrawal” of M23 forces.

Reporting from Goma, Al Jazeera’s Alain Uaykani called the development significant, noting the ground situation had been "very unstable." He added that M23 stressed the need for trust and open dialogue to address the root causes of the conflict.

The African Union hailed the agreement as a "major milestone" toward lasting peace in the Great Lakes region.

Meanwhile, U.S.-brokered diplomacy has also played a role. On June 27, the DRC and Rwanda signed a peace deal in Washington, with President Donald Trump warning of "very severe penalties" if the terms are broken. The agreement was part of a broader initiative dubbed the “Washington Accord,” pushed by Trump adviser Massad Boulos.

The United Nations and Western nations continue to accuse Rwanda of arming and supporting M23. Rwanda maintains its actions are in self-defense against Congolese forces and ethnic Hutu militias linked to the 1994 genocide.