By Semafor Africa
Photos: YouTube Screenshots
DR Congo and M23 rebels signed a US-brokered ceasefire to end fighting that has displaced millions and left thousands dead.
The two sides signed a preliminary deal in Qatar on Saturday and are due to agree a final peace treaty next month. after a preliminary deal was agreed in Qatar. Fighting had escalated in recent months as the Rwanda-backed M23 took control of cities across eastern DR Congo.
The US has sought an end to hostilities in the country as it eyes control of some of the world’s richest reserves of cobalt, lithium, and other minerals essential for new technologies. Washington brokered a peace deal in June to stop fighting in the east of the mineral-rich country in return for investment. The agreement was signed by DR Congo and neighboring Rwanda, which denies supporting M23.
The rebel group had insisted on seeking its own ceasefire deal with Kinshasa, saying the US agreement left out various “problems” that still needed to be addressed. The African Union welcomed the new deal, calling it a “major milestone.” But Congolese political analyst Christian Moleka, speaking to DW, questioned whether there was enough political will to ensure the deal is implemented.
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