The Democratic Republic of Congo and rebel groups that include M23 (AFC/M23), signed an agreement on Tuesday in Doha to establish a ceasefire monitoring mechanism, the government announced, in the latest effort to end violence in eastern DR Congo.

The signing took place under the facilitation of Qatar, the mediator, and was witnessed by observer representatives from the US, the African Union and the UN mission in DR Congo (MONUSCO).

“DR Congo delegates and River Alliance/M23 signed on Tuesday the ceasefire monitoring and verification mechanism, under the facilitation of Qatar,” the Congolese Communications Ministry said in a post on X social network.

The parties signed the declaration of principles ceasefire deal in Doha in July.

Major step

But fighting continues between government forces and the M23 rebels, with each side accusing the other of violating the ceasefire.

The government said Tuesday’s deal constitutes a major step in the implementation of the declaration principles signed on July 19.

With the signing, DR Congo “reaffirms its willingness to achieve the cessation of hostilities, to guarantee the security of the populations, and to prepare the conditions for a comprehensive and lasting peace agreement, within the framework of the Doha process supported by the international community,” the ministry said.

The M23 rebel group, at the centre of the conflict in eastern DR Congo, re-emerged in 2021.

M23 describes deal as 'significant advancement'

The group controls significant territory, including the provincial capitals of Goma and Bukavu, which it seized earlier this year.

The UN, Kinshasa and others accuse neighbouring Rwanda of supporting the M23, which Kigali denies.

The M23 rebels described Tuesday’s deal as a significant advancement.