2 weeks Ago By RFI
The Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have jointly pledged to halt fighting in the east of the country while they work towards a permanent truce. The surprise announcement follows the latest round of talks in Doha mediated by Qatar. Each side released the same statement separately on Wednesday after their delegations left Qatar following more than a week of discussions.
Read on DR Congo national television and released by an M23 spokeperson , it said: "Both parties reaffirm their commitment to an immediate cessation of hostilities, a categorical rejection of any hate speech, intimidation, and call on local communities to uphold these commitments." It described their talks as "frank and constructive" and said the "cessation of hostilities" would apply "throughout the duration of the talks and until their conclusion". It was unclear if or when another round of talks would take place.
More than six truces and ceasefires have been agreed and then collapsed again since 2021. (with newswires) Read more on RFI English Read also: Failed truce intensifies conflict in DRC as UN warns of record hunger crisis Congo M23 rebels say they will withdraw from seized town to support peace push Rwandan-backed M23 gains in eastern DRC spark UN warnings and regional fears.
